Hypatia of Alexandria: Philosopher, Mathematician, Martyr

She was the last great philosopher of the ancient world. They killed her for it. Hypatia of Alexandria mastered mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy when women were expected to stay silent. She taught future bishops. She advised governors. In a city at war with itself, she answered to no one. In 415 CE, a mob tore her apart in a church. Her murderers walked free. Her writings vanished. Her enemies told her story for centuries. But they couldn't erase her. Sixteen centuries later, we're still talking about her-still asking what she knew, what she believed, and why she had to die.