The Monastery of Saint Catherine has been in existence in the depths of the Sinai desert since the sixth century. The Byzantine church has been preserved here since its construction in 542 A.D. The church's history begins in biblical times when Moses fled from the Egyptian mainland. He came upon the seven daughters of Jethro who were tending their herd near a well, later named the Moses Well. Moses Well can still be seen near the monastery's church. He married one of the daughters and lived there for forty years until the occurrence of the Miracle of the Burning Bush whereupon he was ordered by God to bring the Children of Israel to Mt. Horeb, known today as Mt. Moses. Christians came later fleeing the persecution of Rome, in search of tranquility. Monasticism spread through Sinai. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of the Monastery of St. Catherine. Today monks go about their duties in quite contemplation, opening the doors to tourists and pilgrims who explore a place halted in biblical times. In hope of maintaining at least minimal isolation, only parts of the monastery are open for tourism for just a few hours a day.