How many years did st Anthony the great stay in solitary?

St. Anthony the Great is traditionally believed to have spent about 20 years in solitary confinement in the Egyptian desert. He withdrew to the wilderness at around the age of 20 and lived in isolation, dedicating his life to prayer and asceticism. This period of solitude helped establish him as a key figure in Christian monasticism. After this time, he began to attract followers and became a leader in the monastic community.