Narcissus of Jerusalem

Eusebius of Caesarea, writing a century after him and citing witnesses still living, gives the essentials. Bishop of Jerusalem around 180, Narcissus was accused of a crime by three men who swore, calling down upon themselves if they lied, fire, disease and blindness. Nobody believed them, but he, who already loved solitude, left the city and disappeared for several years into the desert. He was given up for dead and successors were appointed. The three accusers, says Eusebius, were struck as they had sworn: the first perished in a fire with his whole household, the second was devoured by disease, and the third, terrified, confessed the lie and wept until he lost his sight. Narcissus then reappeared, and the people restored him; too old to carry everything, he had Alexander joined to him as coadjutor, one of the first known cases. He is said to have reached a hundred and seventeen.