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Hypatia was a mathematician, philosopher and astronomer who lived in Alexandria between the 4th and 5th century AD. With the support of her father, Theon, she received a good education in times when women were not allowed to be active in social life, and managed to enter the male-dominated educational and scholarly circles. She gave lectures on philosophy, maths and astronomy at Platonic Academy at the Library of Alexandria. Her scientific work includes 8 volumes on conic sections of Apollonius of Perga among many more.

She became the symbol of science and education while the Christian church was gradually gaining influence. Although she was targeted by Cyril, the Patriarch of Alexandria with accusations of witchcraft, she continued her educational work. One day when she was on her way to work in the year 415, a mob of the Patriarch’s followers, Parabalanis waylaid her and brutally tore off her flesh from her bones using oyster shells. This marked the beginning of a long medieval decline, where scientific progress paused. In contrast, Cyril was declared a saint.

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