Hypatia of Alexandria

Hypatia, one of the first women to be recognized for her mathematical accomplishments, lived in Alexandria, one of the largest and most academically prominent cities on Mediterranean Sea. This Hellenistic city was farmed for its university and its library, said to be the largest of its day.

Hypatia's early environment was filled with intellectual challenge and stimulation. Her father, Theon, was a professor of mathematics and director of the museum  and library at the University of Alexandria. He gave his daughter a classic education in arts, literature, mathematics, science and philosophy. In addition to her studies at the University of Alexandria, Hypatia traveled the Mediterranean. While in Athens, she attended a school conducted by famed writer Plutarch.



Upon her return to Alexandria, Hypatia continued in her father's footsteps: she lectured on mathematics and philosophy at the University and directed the museum and library. Her lectures were well received by enthusiastic student and scholars alike; many considered Hypatia to be an oracle. Although none of her writings remain intact, historians attribute several mathematical treatises to Hypatia, including commentaries on the astronomical work of Diophantus and Ptolemy, on the geometry of Euclid. In addition to her insightful lectures and mathematical work, letters written by Hypatia's contemporaries credit her with the invention of devices used in study of astronomy.

At this time, Alexandria was part of Roman Empire and was undergoing a power struggle between Christians and pagans (whorshippers of Greek and Roman gods). Bishop Cyril was using his position in the Christian chuch to usurp the power of the Alexandrian government, which was under the rule of the Roman perfect Orestes. Orestes was known to have attended many of Hypatia's lectures and believed to have been Hypatia's lover. Since Hypatia was symbols of classic Greek culture, Bhisop Cyril associated her with paganism and viewed her as a threat to his quest for Christian power.

In a frenzied attempt to eradicate the pagan influence of Alexandria, a Christian mob incited by Byshop Cyril attacked Hypatia when she was ridding in her chariot. She was stripped naked and dragged through the streets, then tortured and murdered.

Hypatia was the last symbol of the ancient culture of Alexandria. She preserved and carried forward knowledge and wisdom of the Golden Age of Greek civilization. It is tragic that her intelligence and devotion led her to violent death.

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wiki : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia