Hypatia, born in 370 BC, was a philosopher and mathematician during the era of ancient Greece. She is most well-known for being one of the earliest recorded feminists. However, her story also exemplifies female intellectualism during this time period and women’s contributions to historical study.
Hypatia was likely born in Alexandria, Egypt, at that time as she grew up there. There are no accounts about her family as she spent most of her childhood at Syene. Hypatia’s father was the head of the Greek city of Alexandria. Alexandria, in ancient times, was a major port city and served as an important center of trade and culture in Egypt.
According to historical documents, Hypatia’s father was very wealthy, so he likely took his wealth with him when he moved to Alexandria as he likely built it up. There are also accounts that say that her father was a great architect and ruler of his city. Hypatia’s mother died while Hypatia was still young. Hypatia’s father was then eventually remarried to a woman who had recently taken over her father’s position.
School at age of 14
Hypatia did not have a close relationship with her new stepmother. Greek tutors likely taught Hypatia until she was able to enter school at the age of 14. The schooling that Hypatia received eventually allowed her to enter the field of mathematics and science. She was also taught basic grammar, allowing her to translate Greek texts into Egyptian.
She received this education from scholars inside the city who taught mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Hypatia also received education from a variety of women, including women who practiced Neo-Platonism and thinkers who were critical of traditional Greek philosophy practices.
Hypatia was also a highly influential person in her family as her stepmother was also considered influential as well. Hypatia’s father did not live with her stepmother when she lived in Alexandria, but they lived together near the city. Despite the fact that she grew up in two houses, Hypatia would attend her mother’s house when she was at home.
Hypatia’s father had been a scholar. And there were many books that he would spend his time reading in his library. Hypatia learned to read through her father. She also had access to the books that were in her father’s library, which made it easier for her to learn more about math and science at a young age.
Hypatia was well educated even though she could not attend school because there were many books available in her home. While she was young, Hypatia found herself ready to become a teacher of mathematics. She was an experienced teacher by age 20, likely due to her knowledge gained from books. She also wanted to teach Greek grammar classes, mathematics, and astronomy.
Teaching Mathematics
Hypatia was very interested in mathematics and science. She was determined to make a difference in many people’s lives by educating them about mathematics and science. Hypatia’s main goal with her students was to teach them how to think critically, allowing them to truly grasp math and science concepts.
Hypatia had an impact on literature because she wrote letters that were later used as a reference by other scholars, including Bawdy. Hypatia also opened up the world of astronomy and math to children when she developed a school where children could study these subjects.
She focused heavily on astronomy because it was important to many during this time period. She eventually founded her own school, teaching math, science, and philosophy. Hypatia also taught outside of Alexandria, within the city of Athens, where she got to teach alongside philosophers like Plato and Aristotle.
She never married, nor did she have any children. Hypatia was devoted to her religious practices and studies. That was included devotion to the traditional Greek gods such as Isis, Osiris, Hermes, and Apollo.
In Hypatia’s work, she asserted that women should be taught mathematics and philosophy from childhood in order to develop their intelligence and understand the world around them. In her earlier life, she studied mathematics with Theon at Syene before moving on to astronomy. She finally turned towards philosophy after studying it with Ammonius Saccas, later elected head of Plato Academy.
head of the Platonist School
She then followed her teacher to Alexandria, where she became head of the Platonist School and taught philosophy, which was almost unheard of for a woman during this time. Hypatia’s teachings were so respected that even Christians attended her classes. While teaching, she wanted to give women an opportunity to learn about math and science to allow them to teach their children and enter into fields dominated by men.
Hypatia is not only known for her intelligence but also for her contributions to astronomy. She helped create a great solar calendar system with an estimated error of just two hours over a 4000-year period. The calendar helped measure the seasons and the position of celestial bodies and allowed the ancient Egyptians to keep track of their tax obligations. This system later migrated from Egypt to Rome with modifications made by Roman astronomers.
Hypatia was also known for completing new mathematical calculations as well as being active in other studies dealing with geometry and algebra. Not only were her studies using mathematics during this time period considered worthy, but they were even useful in daily life. This shows that Hypatia’s work was greatly appreciated and respected by her peers, both men, and women.
Hypatia is also known for her contributions to astronomy, mathematics, geometry, and philosophy. She was a great leader in the field of astronomy. In addition, she was also a helpful person and science educator. She enabled many women to learn the subject and helped the advancement of science. Hypatia was also influential in literature because she wrote letters to her followers that were later used as a reference by others.
nourished with the teachings of Plato
Along with providing knowledge, Hypatia also taught people throughout her life how to live life in accordance with the teachings of Plato. Through these teachings, she is considered an important female philosopher who contributed greatly to the field of education. She also believed that all people should have the right to religious freedom. That was included freedom of speech, thought, and assembly.
However, despite her talent and brilliance in the field of mathematics and her passion for educating young women. Hypatia has also made a name for herself by being labeled a witch. She was also falsely accused of helping to start a “Christian” riot back in 415 AD. Not only was she respected by members of her own religion, but followers of other religions also respected her.
She was greatly mourned after her death when both Christians and Pagans devastated Alexandria in their grief. She is considered a martyr because of the false accusations against her. And because many historians consider that she was murdered just for being a woman who wanted to educate young people.