Essene

The Essenes were a Jewish movement described in ancient sources as living in close-knit communities organized around shared rules and practices. They stressed careful study of scripture, strict observance of religious obligations, and a disciplined way of life that set them apart from other Jewish groups. Many Essenes are thought to have practiced communal ownership, ritual purity, and regular instruction. Some writings associated with this movement reflect strong concern for order, moral clarity, and expectation of divine intervention. The Essenes are often discussed in connection with the Dead Sea Scrolls, which preserve texts that align closely with their outlook, though the exact relationship remains debated.