Zeno first appears as a disciple in the community of
Silvanus of Gaza who moved from Egypt via the Sinai to Gaza. Not much is known from his early period of life in
Scetis and most relations relate to his later life in
Palestine though he remained in connection with Egypt as monks from there sought him out for advice. Many saw him as a spiritual teacher and among his disciples were
Peter the Iberian and his companion John the Prophet whom he met in
Jerusalem. Zeno, who roamed frequently to various monastic centres, stayed many times in Jerusalem where he worked miracles and gave
spiritual direction. Around 440, he settled in Kefar Shearta, today identified with Horvat Se'orah (Arabic: Khirbet Se'arta), north of
Nahal Besor. Towards the end of his life, he lived for a year in utter seclusion as a hermit before dying as seems to have been customary for Palestinian monasticism (see Abba
Isaiah and
Barsanuphius). Zeno's death seems to have occurred around the year 451. ==Legacy==