SEVEN SLEEPERS OF EPHESUS, THE, according to the most common form of a legend first referred to in Western literature by Gregory of Tours (De glor. mart. c. 95), seven Christian youths of Ephesus, who, in the Decian persecution (A.D. 25o), hid themselves in a cave. Their hiding-place was dis covered and its entrance blocked. The martyrs fell asleep in a mutual embrace. Nearly 200 years later a herdsman rediscov ered the cave on Mount Coelian, and, letting in the light, awoke the inmates, who sent one of their number to buy food. The lad was astonished to find the cross over the gates of Ephesus, and to hear the name of Christ openly pronounced. By tender ing coin of the time of Decius at a baker's shop he roused sus picion, and was taken before the authorities. He confirmed his story by leading his accusers to the cavern where his companions were found, youthful and beaming with a holy radiance. The
emperor Theodosius II., hearing what had happened, hastened to the spot and heard from their lips that God had wrought this wonder to confirm his faith in the resurrection of the dead. This message delivered, they again fell asleep.
Gregory says he had the legend from the interpretation of "a certain Syrian"; in point of fact the story is common in Syriac sources. It forms the subject of a homily of Jacob of Sarug (ob.