Circumcellions

The Circumcellions, or Agonistici (as called by Donatists), were bands of Roman Christian radicals in North Africa in the early to mid-4th century. They were initially concerned with remedying social grievances. They condemned poverty and slavery and advocated canceling debt and freeing slaves. The term "Circumcellions" may have been coined by critics who referred to them as "circum cellas euntes" (they go around larders) because "they roved about among the peasants, living on those they sought to indoctrinate."

==Background== The Circumcellions first appeared about 317 and were active primarily in Numidia and Mauretania Sitifensis. They promoted ideas of social reform along with eschatological hopes. Bishop Optatus of Milevis says that around 340 they started an uprising directed at creditors and slave owners. They regarded as martyrs those among them killed when the disturbance was put down. Augustine of Hippo likened them to a rustic mob encouraging violence against landlords.