(), surnamed the Learned (ὁ Σχολαστικός), a Greek writer who lived in the sixth century
of the Christian aera.
His original name was Joannes, and he was called Climacus on account of a work written by
him, which was entitled
Κλίμαξ. He took orders, and although
the learned education which he had received seemed to have destined him for a life among
scholars, he lived during forty years with monks of the most rude and illiterate description,
till he was chosen abbot of the convent on Mount Sinai, where he died at the age of one
hundred, or thereabouts, on the 30th of March. The year of his death is uncertain, but it was
probably in the beginning of the seventh century. (A. D. 606?)
Life of Climacus by Daniel
The life of Climacus was written by a Greek monk of the name of Daniel.
Editions
This Life is contained in Bibliotheca Patrum
Maxima, in the Acta Sanctorum, ad 30 diem
Martii, in the editions of the works of Climacus, and in Johannis Climaci, Johannis Damasceni, et Johannis Eleemosynarii
Vitae, &c., ed. Johannes Vicartius, Jesuita, Tournai, 1664, 4to.
Works
Two works of Climacus, who was a fertile writer on religious subjects, have been printed,
viz. :--
1. Scala Paradisi (Κλίμαξ)
Addressed to John, abbot of the monastery of Raithu, this is divided into thirty chapters,
and treats on the means of attaining the highest possible degree of religious
perfection.
In some MSS. this work has the title
Πλάκες
Πνευματικαί, or Spiritual Tables.
Editions
Latin Editions
A Latin translation of this work by Ambrosius, a Camaldulensian monk, was
published at Venice. 1531, ibid. 1569, Cologne, 1583, ibid. 1593, with an
exposition of Dionysius, a Carthusian friar; ibid. 1601, 8vo.
Greek Editions
The Greek text, with a Latin translation and the Scholia of Elias, archbishop of
Creta, was published together with the work of Climacus cited below, by Matthaeus
Raderus, Paris, 1633, fol.It is also contained, together with the previously mentioned Scholia of Elias, in
the different Bibliothecae Patrum.
2. Liber ad Pastorem
Editions
Latin Editions
A Latin translation of this was published by the Ambrosius mentioned above, and
was reprinted several times.
Greek editions
The Greek text with a Latin version was published, together with the Scala Paradisi and the Scholia of the archbishop Elias, by Raderus
mentioned above, Paris, 1633, fol.
Translations
Both these works of Climacus were translated into modern Greek and published by
Maximus Margunius, bishop of Cerigo, Venice, 1590.
Further Information
Fabric. Bibl. Graec. ix. p. 522, &c.; Cave, Hist.
Lit. vol. i. p. 421, ad an. 564; Hamberger, Zuverlässige
Nachrichten von gelehrten Männern, vol. iii. p. 467.