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fast version:
Essenes were Jews circa 150 BCE to 100 CE that were disenchanted with the second Temple religious life. They retreated to wilderness areas to live outside the control of Temple and Empire (at least to the extent they would be left alone out there.) Qumran was one such site, the location of the scrolls.
Their primary theology was to abandon sacrifice atonement, and instead rigorously purify mind, soul and body through codes of living. They were strongly influenced by apocalyptic theology, and generally did not marry because of that and for misogynistic reasons. John the Baptist was likely a member.
The dead sea scrolls are the product of this community, both scriptural and cultural documentation. Of primary interest are some of the oldest copies of Hebrew Scriptures yet known. Other documents are rules, practices, and other records. Sealed in jars or buried in caves, they were preserved when the community was abandoned.
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