Hypatia of Alexandria :: essays research papers

Hypatia of AlexandriaHypatia was born in 370 A.D. in Alexandria, Egypt. From that day on her life time was one enriched with a passion for knowledge. Theon, Hypatias father whom himself was a mathematician, brocaded Hypatia in an environment of thought. Both of them formed a strong truss as he taught her his own knowledge and shared his passion in the search of answers to the unknown. Under her fathers discipline he developed a somatogenetic routine for her to ensure a healthy body as strong as a highly functional mind. Her father instructed her on the incompatible religions of the world and how to influence people with the power of words. Also taught her the fundamentals of command so she could be a profound orator. From the teachings of her father, she to became a mathematician and philosopher which she was recognise the organise of the Neo-Platonist school of philosophy at Alexandria. Due to her eloquence, modesty, and beauty, combined with her remarkable knowing gifts, she attracted a large number of pupils. Her students were aristocratic young men, both infidel and Christian, who rose to occupy influential civil and eccelestrastical positions. They considered Hypatia as their divine range into the realm of philosophical and cosmic mysteries, which included mathematics. She combined the principles of free opinion and the ideal of pure living. She was known for her prudence, moderation, and self control, and for her ease of manner and her beauty. She was recognized as an eloquent teacher and by 390 A.D. her circle of influence was well-established. She besides symbolized learning and science which in time of Western history were mostly identified by early Christians with Paganism. As such, she was the focal point in the tension and riots between Christians and non-Christians that racked more than once in Alexandria. In this time Cyril roused negative sentiment toward Orestes and Orestes was attacked by 500 Nitrian monks. Due to Cyril and his ne gativity and what he caused to happen to Orestes, Hypatia fell victim to the political hostilities due to being a close associate of Orestes and was undoubtedly defamed by Cyril. Admiration for her became resentment and she was sensed as an obstacle to the conciliation of Orestes and Cyril. Being as that, Cyril began planning Hypatias most crucial death. In 415 A.D., during Lent, while riding in her chariot through the streets of Alexandria, she was attacked upon by a fanatical mob of antipagan Christians.