Born: c. 350–370 (Alexandria, Egypt)
Died: 415 AD
Biography:
Hypatia[a] (born c. 350–370; died 415 AD) was a neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, then part of the Eastern Roman Empire. She was a prominent thinker in Alexandria where she taught philosophy and astronomy. Although preceded by Pandrosion, another Alexandrine female mathematician, she is the first female mathematician whose life is reasonably well recorded. Hypatia was renowned in her own lifetime as a great teacher and a wise counselor.
Hypatia’s father was Theon of Alexandria, a mathematician and astronomer notable for his editing of Euclid’s Elements.[11][12][13] She was born into a family of scholars and received a first-class education in mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy. Theon made sure to provide her with the best possible education, and as a result, Hypatia became a highly knowledgeable and skilled scholar.
Hypatia’s intellectual prowess quickly gained her acclaim. Her influence extended beyond her students, and she established herself as a respected authority in the male-dominated field of philosophy. She thrived on challenging societal norms and bridging the gap between scholarly pursuits and practical applications of knowledge. Her commentary on Diophantus’s Arithmetica, a thirteen-volume treatise on algebra, showcased her deep understanding of mathematics.
In addition to her knowledge of mathematics, Hypatia also possessed an extensive understanding of astronomy. She wrote a commentary on Apollonius of Perga’s treatise on conic sections, which unfortunately did not survive. Many scholars believe that she also edited and revised the surviving text of Ptolemy’s Almagest, drawing from her father’s work on the third book of the Almagest.
Hypatia was not only an accomplished scholar but also a skilled instrument maker. She constructed astrolabes, devices used for measuring angles and determining celestial positions, and hydrometers, instruments employed to measure the specific gravity of liquids. These contributions demonstrate her practical applications of mathematical and astronomical knowledge.
One of Hypatia’s notable traits was her tolerance towards different religious beliefs. She welcomed Christian students, including Synesius, who would go on to become the bishop of Ptolemais. Her open-mindedness and willingness to engage with diverse perspectives earned her respect and admiration from both pagans and Christians.
Towards the end of her life, Hypatia found herself entangled in political turmoil. She served as an advisor to Orestes, the Roman prefect of Alexandria, who was engaged in a fierce conflict with Cyril, the bishop of Alexandria. Accusations spread that Hypatia was obstructing the reconciliation between Orestes and Cyril. In March 415 AD, a mob of Christians, led by a lector named Peter, attacked Hypatia. She met a gruesome end, martyred for philosophy and her progressive ideas.
Hypatia’s tragic death shocked the empire and inspired future Neoplatonists, like the historian Damascius, to vehemently oppose Christianity. Despite her murder, Hypatia’s legacy lived on, as she became a symbol for intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge. During the Middle Ages, she was co-opted as a symbol of Christian virtue and even served as the basis for the legend of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
In the Age of Enlightenment, Hypatia emerged as a figure of resistance against Catholicism. Romanticized portrayals in literature, such as Charles Kingsley’s 1853 novel Hypatia, transformed her into the last of the Hellenes. In the twentieth century, she became an icon for women’s rights and a precursor to the feminist movement, celebrating her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated world.
Although the association of Hypatia’s death with the destruction of the Library of Alexandria is historically inaccurate, it demonstrates the profound impact she had on society, as many now view her as a martyr for knowledge. Her tragic demise symbolizes the dangers of anti-intellectualism and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual freedom.