In the second century AD, ascetic monks had adopted a hermit lifestyle in the Cappadocia region, particularly in the vicinity of Göreme. Despite their independence from monasteries and churches, they constituted an important social community. The region's religious significance was further enhanced by the presence of clergy with notable character. In the following century, Cappadocia was renowned as the hometown of the three great clergymen. The Cappadocian Fathers, as they are known, were the Bishop of Kaisareia, Basil, his brother Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory of Nazianzus. Basil, known as the ‘Great’, returned from Constantinople to his hometown, Kaisareia, the headquarters of the Cappadocia region, to devote himself to the monastic life. He was also effective in spreading the monastic lifestyle. A monastic lifestyle was prevalent in Göreme from the 4th century AD to the 13th century.