Hypatia of Alexandria

Description

She is a short (5'), slender woman of unaffected beauty. Her eyes are a warm brown, her skin is clear and sun-darkened a rich bronze. She is typically serious of mien but occassionally a lovely smile will part her full lips.

Biography

? Hypatia, was born ca. 370 AD in Alexandria, Egypt. She was killed at the hands of a Christian mob in 413 AD, having spent her life in Alexandria as a teacher of mathematics and philosophy. In addition, she was a knowledgable and prominent member of her religious community.

She learned Mathematics from her father, Theon of Alexandria, the last "president" (possibly) of the famous Alexandrian Musuem. She soon surpassed him and went on to pen at least 3 texts which are known today within the fields of geometry, (?), and astronomy.

She speaks Greek, Latin, Arabic (she is a mathematician, so I assume), and (possibly the language indigenous to the region, however she is of a 'privileged' and learned class so perhaps not). I also assume she can write in all of these languages.

Personality

There is actually very little historical information about this amazing woman. (Not that books do not exist, but that in depth info about her life appears, from the reviews on the Web I read and the published bibliographies) and especially her mathematics is lacking.

Hypatia has been described as a charismatic and effective teacher as well as a great beauty. There are even reports that in pursuit of her work, she lead a life of chastity (slight elaboration re: pursuit of her work, no reason for the rumor of chastity is given). By all accounts she was well-respected by her colleagues and in one instance speculation is made that certain works of the mathematician Diophantus are lost to us today because she did not include a mention of them in one of her publications.

I imagine Hypatia was a woman driven by an intense love of mathematics, religion, and teaching. Her passions were not so much of the flesh, but of the mind. Her father played a significant role in the development of at least her interest in mathematics and I would suspect the burning of his Alexandrian Museum and the other libraries and institutions of learning in the late 300s had a large impact upon her. Perhaps she is zealous when it comes to learning?

Hypatia was a Neo-Platonist (a school of philosophy I am not currently familiar with which is classed as a religion/philosopy in one of my references). This, in part, is what led to her death at the hands of Christians. (This event is a something of a continuation of the uneasiness which lead to the burnings of the 390s.)

Skills

Mathematics -- This includes the construction of mathematical tools such as the astrolabe and hydroscope (water-clock).

Teaching -- Philosophy, Mathematics

Reading and Writing - (see languages above)

Public Speaking -- I didn't got into this above, but Ms. Hypatia was also a public speaker.

Personality Questions

Would your character prefer a game of chess or a game of football?: Chess
If your character found a wallet in the street, would they return it?: Hypatia would return a lost+found wallet
Would your character be more likely to be the life of the party or to quietly observe the goings-on?: She would tend to be the life of a scholarly party but be more graciously retiring at a purely social event.
Would your character be found on the top of a pyramid of people or on the bottom?: I will be playing her as someone found near the top of a pyramid of people. I think her excellence speaks for itself.
Pretending to be your character, rank the following statements in order of truth. Leave out statements that are false about your character.: f. I always tell the truth
e. I love to read
c. I am clever with my hands