Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Hypatia of Alexandria: The Life and Death of a Philosopher and her City
Sep 13, 2023
Part I introduces the life and notorious death of Hypatia of Alexandria, a Late Platonist philosopher. It discusses the debunking of the myth of the Great Library's destruction, the civil unrest in Alexandria, and the contrasting views on Hypatia's reputation and alleged involvement in civil unrest.
38:00
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Quick takeaways
- Hypatia of Alexandria's expertise extended beyond mathematics to include teaching the thought of Plato and Aristotle, shedding light on educational norms and religious coexistence in late antique Alexandria.
- Hypatia's life and death demonstrate the societal turmoil and religious tensions of late antiquity in Alexandria, highlighting the violence and political factions that ultimately led to her brutal murder.
Deep dives
The Life and Achievements of Hypatia of Alexandria
Hypatia of Alexandria was a 4th-century Platonist philosopher specializing in mathematics. She was the daughter of Theon of Alexandria, a mathematician known for his work on Euclid's Elements. Hypatia's expertise extended beyond mathematics, as she also taught the thought of Plato and Aristotle to her students. Despite the scarcity of sources about her life, Hypatia's reputation in Alexandria was highly regarded. She succeeded her father as the leader of a prominent Alexandrian Platonist school and published numerous important mathematical works. Her life and teachings shed light on educational norms and the coexistence of different religious beliefs in late antique Alexandria.
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