Hypatia: The First Woman of Mathematics

Born in Alexandria, Egypt in A.D. 355, Hypatia was the first woman in the field of Mathematics with substantial contributions. Hypatia's distinction was emphasized by the fact that she was both female and pagan in a flourishing Christian environment (Fideler). Hypatia did not want to be treated as a woman. She made this clear by wearing the traditional white robe of the philosopher (Young 257).

She loved math for its own sake, the pure and exquisite delights it yielded her inquisitive mind (Osen 27). Her expertise went beyond Math, however, and branched into the fields of Philosophy, Astronomy, and religious matters. Socrates, Nicephorus and Philostorgius wrote about her great genius. They were generous in their praise of her characteristics and learning (Osen 28). 

Born to Mathematician and Philosopher Theon, Hypatia was bound to have an enriched home environment. Theon was the director of the University of Alexandria. Alexandria was the greatest place for learning in the world at the time. Hypatia spent her early years at the University with close contact with an Institute called Museum (Osen 23). There is little information on Hypatia’s mother.

Hypatia studied at the schools of Plato and Pythagoras. These schools were of the few that women could pursue a career. These school’s emphasis were on Math. Hypatia’s father was also of great influence on her education. Theon was her tutor, tutoring her in the arts, literature, science and philosophy. 

At the time, mathematics was used for “calculating obscure problems as the locus of a given soul born under a certain planet” (Osen 24). It was thought that math calculations could determine where a given soul would be on a future date. Astronomy and Astrology were one science. Math was a bond between science and religion. Hypatia traveled abroad as part of her schooling. Her times abroad extended over a period of ten years although there is some argument about how long she spent abroad. Others say it was only around a year or so.