Cyril and Hypatia
A ‘Christian’ mob kidnapped and murdered a much-loved professor of mathematics - for her politics.
415
Roman Empire (Byzantine Era) 330 - 1453
A ‘Christian’ mob kidnapped and murdered a much-loved professor of mathematics - for her politics.
415
Roman Empire (Byzantine Era) 330 - 1453
Hypatia was head of the Philosophical School in Alexandria. She was a very likeable mathematician and astronomer, who numbered pagans, Jews, and several Christian clergymen among her past and present students.
IN 415, the governor of Alexandria, Orestes, imposed new regulations on Jewish dancing festivals. Tensions in the city became strained, as Christians, inconvenienced by the same legislation, were angry with both the governor and the Jews. Then one Christian, named Ammonius, threw a rock at the Governor and wounded him, and was put to death with torture.
The city’s bishop, Cyril, now faced a dilemma. If he supported Ammonius, he encouraged revolt; if he supported Orestes, he condoned the torture of his own flock. He pleaded for a meeting, but Orestes refused, and a completely unfounded rumour started that Hypatia, often to be seen closeted with the governor, was behind his refusal. So a mob of angry Christians pulled Hypatia from her chariot, dragged her into a church, and brutally murdered her.
How Cyril must have despaired at the news; the extinguishing of a bright light of reason beloved by all rightly brought shame on the entire Christian community.
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Bishop Cyril asked to meet Orestes. Orestes refused.