Hypatia

Hypatia (360 - 415 AD) of Alexandria was a renowned philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician in ancient Alexandria. As one of the first female mathematicians about whom substantial details are known, we know that her father was the mathematician and astronomer Theon of Alexandria. Under his guidance, she was educated in an environment where she could flourish academically, eventually surpassing her own father.

She became the head of the Neoplatonic school at Alexandria, and was famous for her eloquence, modesty, and virtuous life and one of the most respected scholars of her time.

Teacher

As a teacher and scholar, her life and work bear several similarities to the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates. Both Hypatia and Socrates were known for their dialectical approach to teaching, engaging students with questions and discussions rather than simply providing them with information. This method encourages critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

She taught the works of both Plato and Aristotle and as Damascius describes would “used to put on her philosopher’s cloak  and walk through the middle of town and publicly interpret Plato, Aristotle, or the works of any other philosopher.” We have evidence from one of her pupils, Synesius, of her pupils’ love of her as a teacher. There is also an account of her popularity as a teacher at her home.

Decades after her death the poet Palladas celebrated her fame:

“For your work touches Heaven Hypatia

You sacred ornament to literature

Pure shining star of teaching that is wise”

However, as a Neoplatonist, and non-Christian, despite her virtuous life, as a stated virgin , the Christian Pope Cyril, fermented rebellion, attacked the Governor Orestes, who she was associated with. She was eventually surrounded by a mob and brutally murdered. It signalled the end of the Classical age and start of a more religious period.

Hypatia made significant contributions to science and philosophy. She wrote commentaries on Diophantus, Apollonius, and other works, although none of these texts survive to this day. She is credited with the invention or improvement of several scientific apparatuses, and her work in astronomy and mathematics was highly regarded.

Influence

Despite living ethical lives of knowledge and virtue as thinkers and teachers, both were killed as their teachings and influence were seen as threats. Socrates was sentenced to death by the Athenian government, and Hypatia was murdered by a mob. Tet both remain iconic figures.

Although none of her known written works survive, as one of the earliest female mathematicians, astronomers and philosophers, she is still seen as an inspiration as a female scholar, teacher and martyr. Her role was taken up as an example of secular, scientific inquiry against religious dogmatism during the French Enlightenment, Voltaire in particular, also by later women’s rights movements

Her brutal murder is an event that marks the end of the Classical period, virulent Christianity was on the ascent and moving away from open inquiry.  On visiting the illustrious Alexandrian Library, the Roman historian Orostius, only five years after Hypatia’s death, noted the empty shelves. The scholars had departed back to Athens in the face of dogmatic opposition. Polytheism was giving way to Monotheism and a period of dominance by the major religions, the age of belief.

Bibliography

Nisbet G. (2020) Epigrams from the Greek Anthology. OUP

Issa I., (2023) Alexandria The city that changed the world. Sceptre.