Hypatia

Hypatia (370 - 415 CE), one of the most important Roman philosophers, should not be disregarded. Hypatia was a talented mathematician and astronomer who focused on knowledge and science - viewed at the time as a type of philosophy - and is regarded as the best female academic to have lived in Alexandria.

Hypatia was a self-made philosopher who continued to teach Neoplatonism, a branch of Platonic philosophy that integrates mysticism and holds that reality emanates from "The One," in addition to her contributions to science. Many people attended her public lectures, which cemented her reputation as a notable philosopher of her time. Hypatia took on the task of instructing students in the Neo-Platonic philosophies advanced by Plotinus and Iamblichus. Hypatia was the daughter of Theon, a great mathematician and philosopher. The former founded Neoplatonic thought, while the latter, an Arab, was in charge of the Syrian movement.

She introduced the idea of knowledge and science at a time when Western traditions were rife with Pagans and Paganism.

Compared to other schools of Neoplatonism, her philosophy was less mystical and paganic and more academic and scientific in its interests. She later passed away as Christians and Pagans were engaged in a bloody battle.

Time: 370 - 415