Hypatia of Alexandria is the first woman mathematician and one of the most influential people in history. Her work and life were covered by many historians who told her narrative from different perspectives. She is not only known for her contributions to mathematics, philosophy, and astrology, but also for her life and tragic death, which marked a significant decline in intellectual life in Alexandria and the end of the era of Greek-Egyptian philosophy.

The story of Hypatia’s life and work

Hypatia was born into a prominent family in Alexandria when Egypt was a province of Rome. At that time, Christianity started to dominate over other religions. Historians are not sure of Hypatia's date of birth; most resources mention that she was born in 370 AD, which makes her 45 years old at the time of her death. Others believe that she was born in 355 AD.

Hypatia is the daughter of Theon, who was the director of the ancient Library of Alexandria and also was a philosopher and a mathematician. She learned mathematics and astronomy from her father. It is believed that she was one of the brightest philosophers of her time. Her students came from all over the Roman Empire to attend her lectures at the Institute of Science at the Library of Alexandria.

Furthermore, she had a good reputation in the city and was respected by judges, scholars, and even the ruler of Alexandria. We are not quite certain of all of her contributions, as most of her books and manuscripts were burned and destroyed after her death.

Political life and religions in Alexandria during Hypatia’s life

The main question is: why was she murdered if she was such a brilliant philosopher and mathematician? To answer this question, we need to get back to the historical and political life in Egypt. The Romans were the rulers of Egypt. They declared the neutrality of the Roman Empire towards matters of worship according to the Milan Decree that was issued by Emperor Constantine in 313 AD. This decree granted freedom of belief to everyone, whether they were Christians, Jews, or Pagans, and gave them the right to practice their rituals.

According to multiple historical references, there was a conflict in Alexandria between the idolatry that was still existing in Egypt and Christianity. Idolatry was dominant in Egypt before Christianity, as it was not easy for the ancient Egyptian religious influence to suddenly disappear after most of the Egyptian population converted to Christianity.

Additionally, many Greeks lived in cities such as Alexandria and had their own religious beliefs, gods, and temples. Hypatia was a pagan and a philosopher searching for answers to existential questions and teaching the philosophical school of Neoplatonism, which was considered by religious people at that time to be a threat to their beliefs.

Hypatia’s violent death

Hypatia was killed when tensions between religious groups increased as religious radicals dominated power tendencies and had more political influence. In 415 AD, on her way home from a lecture, she was attacked by an angry mob. They stripped her and dragged her through the streets of Alexandria and into a church known as the Caesareum.

After that, they proceeded to cut her body into pieces with oyster shells and threw her limbs in the fire as a punishment for her beliefs and work in philosophy. After this incident, some scientists and intellectuals started to leave Alexandria.

Although almost 16 centuries have passed since the brutal death of Hypatia and the destruction of her books in an attempt to erase her work and existence from history, Hypatia’s life will always remain an inspiration.