Dom Lorenzo Scupoli (ca. 1530 28 November 1610) was born in Otranto, Apulia. At baptism, he received the name Francesco. Being already at a mature age in 1569, he joined the Theatines. He took Holy Orders exceptionally fast, after eight years. In 1585 he was accused of breaking the rule. He was held prisoner for a year and deprived of the priestly faculties. Finally he was exonerated, but had come close to dying in waiting for so. He endured the false accusations and punishments with humility, sacrificing the suffering for various intentions. Dom Scupoli would author the Spiritual Combat in 1489, the first edition being published in Venice. It is a practical manual of living against evil vices and temptations.