Hypatia

Euclid Vat ms no 190 I prop 47

Letter of Synesius to Hypatia b2

Alexandrian World Chronicle - 6v

Mort de la philosophe Hypatie

Ptolemaicsystem-small

Hypatia (born c. 360–370; died 415 AD) was a Hellenistic Neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, then part of the Eastern Roman Empire. She was a prominent thinker of her time, well known for her knowledge and teaching in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Hypatia is one of the first female mathematicians whose life is reasonably well recorded. She is remembered not only for her contributions to these fields but also for her tragic death, which has been interpreted by some scholars as a symbol of the end of the classical era.

Life and Work

Hypatia was the daughter of Theon of Alexandria, himself a mathematician and astronomer. Little is known about her early life, but she was educated in Athens and Alexandria. In Alexandria, she taught at the Neoplatonic School, where she instructed students in mathematics, astronomy, and the philosophy of Neoplatonism, a school of thought that attempted to synthesize Platonism with other philosophies and religions of the time.

Hypatia is credited with several scientific achievements, including the invention of the astrolabe and the hydrometer, although these attributions are sometimes disputed. She is also believed to have written commentaries on the works of Diophantus, Apollonius of Perga, and Ptolemy, though none of these texts have survived in their entirety. Her work in mathematics likely included teachings on geometry and algebra, and she is often associated with the development of an early form of the calculus.

Death

Hypatia's death is one of the most frequently recounted aspects of her life, due to its brutal nature and the circumstances surrounding it. In March 415 AD, she was murdered by a mob of Christian zealots, who accused her of exacerbating a conflict between the then Patriarch of Alexandria, Cyril, and the city's governor, Orestes. Her death is often cited as a significant event in the decline of the Library of Alexandria and the suppression of classical knowledge by religious authorities.

Legacy

Hypatia's legacy has endured through the centuries, with her life and work symbolizing the loss of ancient knowledge and the struggle between science and religion. She has been featured in various works of fiction and has served as an icon for women's education and empowerment. In modern times, Hypatia has been recognized as a pioneer for women in science, mathematics, and philosophy, inspiring numerous books, films, and artworks.

See Also

• Neoplatonism
• Library of Alexandria
• Women in science