Mathematician and Philosopher Hypatia Is Killed in Alexandria
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History: The Ancient World, Prehistory-476
- Categories: Women’s Issues, Philosophy, Religion, Ethics, Science
- Subcategories: Philosophers, Mathematics, Mathematicians, Murder, Homicide, Execution, Assassination, Astronomy, Astronomers, Cosmology, Paganism, Witches, Witchcraft
- Curriculum: African History, Middle Eastern History, Western Civilization/European History, Ancient History
- Geographical Location: Egypt
- Date: 415
Article abstract: A fanatical Christian mob attacked and killed the first known woman mathematician, head of the Neoplatonist school of philosophy at the Alexandrian museum.
Summary of Event
Ancient Greek philosophy moved toward a greater emphasis on science and mathematics after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 b.c.e. His empire was divided among his generals, and Ptolemy Soter established a dynasty of Greek-speaking kings in Egypt with his capital at the still unfinished city of Alexandria, where the western branch of the Nile River empties into...
[The entire page is 1568 words long]
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