Hypatia: Mathematician, Inventor, and Philosopher (Signature Lives: Ancient World)

Hypatia was a brilliant philosopher and mathematician in the late 300s and early 400s, when Christians feuded with pagans. Born to the last director of the Library of Alexandria, she grew up with knowledge of the sciences at her fingertips. Known for her beauty as well as her intellect, Hypatia tutored both pagan and Christian pupils in her own home. Dubbed a pagan, she became the target of an outraged Christian mob, turning her into a pagan martyr.