A Jewish ascetic sect, which was originally based upon sun- worshipping of Persian anchorites. Eventually it developed into a sect based on Jain yogis claiming to be able to perform miracles by living separately from the world and practicing extreme self-denial. One large Essenic community was in the Qumran region from 110 BC to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. It was vacant during the reign of Herd, 31 - 4 BC and especially after a large earthquake in 31 BC.

It is believed among their prominent members were John the Baptist, Jesus and Simon Magus the founder of Gnosticism. One indication that Christ may have been an Essene was that He criticized the Scribes and Pharisees, but never the Essenes. It is, also, speculated that those following Christ were called Essenes before they were known as Christians.

http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/e/essenes.html

Essenes

http://members.aol.com/Wisdomway/deadseascrolls.htm

THE ESSENES AND THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS AT QUMRAN

The Essenes were members of an ascetic Jewish sect of the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. Most of them lived on the western shore of the Dead Sea. They are identified by many scholars with the Qumran community that wrote the documents popularly called the Dead Sea Scrolls. They numbered about 4,000 members. Admission required two to three years of preparation, and new candidates took an oath of piety, justice, and truthfulness.

http://mb-soft.com/believe/txo/essene.htm

Essenes