Hypatia of Alexandria

born c. 370, died 415

Although a brilliant and popular teacher of Neo-Platonic
thought, Hypatia of Alexandria unfortunately lived at a time
of political and religious change. Her popularity and influence
are well-documented. Students flocked to study with her, scholars
visited her home and lecture room. She occupied the Chair of Platonic
Philosophy at the University of Alexandria, and served as an advisor
to the government. She was also a pagan at a time when Christianity
was rising. The Bishop of Alexandria resented the influence she had with 
the government. Although he could not condemn or attack her
outright, it was through his encouragement that a group of fanatical
monks waylaid her on the way to the University. They brutally murdered
her (various accounts say she was quartered, flayed, or hacked to death)
and burned her body.