Hypatia - Martyr to the Ancient Wisdom, c.375-415 A.D.

Hypatia was the daughter of Theon, a renowned Alexandrian philosopher and mathematician. An only child, she showed a deep interest in mathematics and philosophy from an early age.

While living in Athens, she came into contact with the Neoplatonic School, founded by Plotinus, Porphyry, and Iamblichus; and identified herself with this stream of Platonic wisdom.

When later living again in Alexandria, she taught this wisdom, both privately and publicly, and became celebrated for her intellect, eloquence, modesty, and beauty, attracting large numbers of pupils.

In March, 415 A.D., Hypatia was brutally murdered by a mob of Christian fanatics, lead by Peter the Reader, and most probably instigated by Cyril (376-444 A.D.) the bishop of Alexandria.

Her death marked the beginning of the decline of Alexandria as a centre of the Ancient Wisdom.  However, it was partly because of Hypatia's transmission of Neoplatonic Philosophy that it survived to have a lasting influence upon medieval philosophy and Christian mysticism.