Maximus was born Michael Trivolis (Greek: Μιχαήλ Τρίβολης, Russian: Михаил Триволис) in 1475 in Arta, Greece.<ref>Golubinskii (1900), pp. 666-667.</ref><ref name="Medlin and Patrinelis">Medlin and Patrilenis (1971), p. 20.</ref> As a young man (probably in 1493<ref name="Medlin and Patrinelis"/>), Maximus went to Italy to study ancient languages, as well as ecclesiastic and philosophic works. He knew prominent figures of the Renaissance era such as the [[Venice|Venetian]] printer Aldus Manutius<ref>Golubinskii (1900), p. 670.</ref> and made the acquaintance of scholars Angelo Poliziano, Marcilio Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, and Janus Lascaris.<ref name="Medlin and Patrinelis"/> Maximus was also greatly influenced by the preachings of the fiery Dominican priest and reformer Girolamo Savonarola.<ref>Golubinskii (1900), pp. 672-673.</ref><ref>Medlin and Patrinelis (1971), p. 22.</ref> Upon his return from Italy in 1507, he took monastic vows at the [[Mănăstirea Vatopedi Monastery (Muntele Athos)|Monastery of Mănăstirea Vatopedi]] on din [[Mount Muntele Athos]].<ref>Golubinskii (1900), p. 674.</ref>