Seven Sleepers of Ephesus how long did they sleep - 7 SLEEPERS - THE MOVIE

01 · Overview

Different traditions, different numbers

The length of the miraculous sleep is one of the most variable details in the legend. No single figure is universal. The range reflects different ways of calculating the interval between the Decian persecution (mid-3rd century) and the reign of Theodosius II (first half of the 5th century), as well as the distinct Quranic tradition.

02 · Christian Sources

Approximately 195–300 years

Most Greek and Latin versions place the awakening in the reign of Theodosius II (408–450 CE). Common calculations include:

~195–196 years Jacobus de Voragine and several medieval calculators

~208 years Some Western adjustments of the chronology

~300 years Popular round figure in many retellings

Up to ~372–373 Appears in some texts; sometimes explained as the age of the coins rather than pure duration

The variation arises because the exact year of the sealing under Decius and the exact year of the opening under Theodosius II are not fixed in the earliest sources.

03 · The Quranic Figure

309 years

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:25) the Qur’an states that the Companions of the Cave remained in their cave for three hundred years and nine more (309 years). Many classical Muslim commentators understand this as solar years, though some discuss lunar-year equivalents.

This precise number is unique to the Islamic tradition and is not derived from the Christian calculations. It has become one of the most widely known details of the story in the Muslim world.

04 · In the Film

“Three hundred years”

The official site and promotional language of 7 Sleepers – The Movie use the memorable round figure: “Seven boys. One cave. Three hundred years lost to time.” This reflects the popular Christian and cinematic tradition while remaining open to the fuller range of historical and Quranic numbers.

Quick Reference

Christian range: roughly 195–300 years
Quran: 309 years
Film tagline: three hundred years