The historian, Olympiodorus of Thebes, visited the Blemmyes and Nubades in about 421 and reported on their occupation of Talmis, Primis, and many other important towns. This report was of note because of the threat that they posed to southern Egypt was great enough to warrant the seeking of protection from them by the Bishop of Syrene for his Churches and from the fact that the White Monastery of Shenute is said to have maintained for three months, the 20,000 refugees that had been taken prisoner by the Blemmyes.