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When I primary learned in regards to Hypatia, I was enthusiastic to find out more with regards to this ancient philosopher, astronomer and mathematician. Here in the 21st century, a woman who could assert all those capablenesses would be considered a peer of people like Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson and Buckminster Fuller. This woman born in approximately 375 C.E., was admired by her contemporaries and drew students from all elements of the empire. According to Jone Johnson Lewis, in her article entitled “Hypatia: Astronomer, Philosopher and Mathematician,” when the Arabs invaded Alexandria around 642, they burned the contents of the library, including the works of Hypatia, as fuel for their baths. Fortunately, historians have been competent to piece together a portrait of her by way of letters written by her students and contemporaries, and through the works of others who cited her. (Jone Johnson Lewis)

“Hypatia studied with her father, and with some others including Plutarch the Younger. She herself taught at the Neoplatonist school of philosophy. She became the remunerated conductor of this school in 400. She probably wrote on mathematics, astronomy and philosophy, including with regards to the motions of the planets, in regards to number theory and in regards to conic sections.” (Jone Johnson Lewis)

Hypatia appears to have cultivated intellectual capablenesses even deeper than those of her father. Most historians conjecture that she was someplace amongst the ages of 35 and 45 when she reached a self-composed maturity which included lecturing to dozens of adoring students. One named Synesius, who later became Bishop of Ptolemais, wrote letters to her and in regards to her for a good deal of years. These missives are the basis from which historians have gleaned the most cognition of Hypatia. She devoted her life to the pursuit of natural science and the doctrine of natural science, and she has been credited with inventing “a brass hydrometer for determining the specific gravity of liquids, an astrolabe for astronomical observations, a system of distillation and other devices.” (The Pharmaceutical Journal)

“Her beauty did astonish the survey of eyes,

Her words all ears took captive.” (Mangasar Mugurditch Mangasarian)

Renowned for her beauty as well as her intellect, Hypatia wore the robes of a philosopher and socialized with such political figures as Orestes, governor of Alexandria. Like Hypatia, Orestes was a pagan; however, a good deal of Christians in town were intolerant of the pagans. According to Lewis, Orestes was an adversary of Cyril, the new Christian bishop, a man who would one day be canonized by the Catholic Church. Lewis says that Orestes “objected to Cyril expelling the Jews from the city, and was murdered by Christian monks for his opposition.” Hypatia, a pagan espouser of experimental science and friend to Orestes, was blacklisted by Cyril who was appalled at the conduct of a woman “who didn’t recognise her place” (Lewis). Historians believe that his tirades versus Hypatia incited an angry mob of “fanatical Christian monks in 415 to attack Hypatia as she drove her chariot through Alexandria” (Lewis). They dragged Hypatia into a church, then stripped her and killed her by flaying the flesh from her bones with oyster shells. They then ripped her apart, scattered pieces of her in the streets and burned the remains in the library of Caeseareum. This was a murder of ardent hatred, a misogynistic act of epic proportions.

Some historians believe Hypatia’s assassination heralded the Dark Ages for the duration of which the patriarchal Church ruled with an iron fist, stifling the arts and natural sciences for the next thousand years. Christian historians paint Hypatia with colors that warrant Cyril’s actions, calling her a pagan enchantress who seduced those in power and defiled God’s name; they insist she deserved her fate.

My conclusion is that Hypatia was an astounding woman who inspired a good deal of in Alexandria for the duration of her lifetime. Many citizens enjoyed attending her philosophical lectures and for them, her gender appears not to have been a consideration. She was “Hypatia the Philosopher.” Cyril, a rigidly dogmatic man, grew envious of Hypatia’s popularity and intellect, and instructed his henchmen to martyr her, so as to please God. Cyril thence ironically ensured Hypatia’s longevity in history. The hypocrisy of Cyril’s activenesses reflect back onto Christianity which I believe is the bastion of patriarchy. There is a poster that became the icon of the Viet Nam anti-war movement: “War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things,” in black letters on a yellow background. One could without apparent effort alternate the word “patriarchy” for “War,” as patriarchy is the war that men wage versus women. Hypatia reigns as a heroine to any woman who defeats great odds to become a strong, poised, articulate woman with intellect, beauty and good self esteem. Hypatia, may you live on in the hearts of all women!

Astrolabe Brass Ancient Astronomy Instrument Image

Astrolabe Brass Ancient Astronomy Instrument Pic

Astrolabe Brass Ancient Astronomy Instrument Image

Astrolabe Brass Ancient Astronomy Instrument Pic