Hypatia was born in Alexandria, Egypt, around the year 370. Her father, Theon, a well-known mathematician, instilled in her an interest in mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy. Fields that Hypatia would later revolutionize.

At the School of Athens, Hypatia taught mathematics and other disciplines. Throughout her career, she created tables to explain the movements of celestial bodies, improved the design of the astrolabe, invented the hydrometer, and wrote works on geometry, astronomy, and algebra. She received the nickname "the philosopher," becoming one of the most prominent figures of the Neoplatonic School of Alexandria. Because of her wisdom, city authorities visited her for advice.

Hypatia was murdered by a group of Christian individuals out of hatred for her influence. Her memory endured among the Egyptian people, but it wasn't until the 18th century that her life was narrated with more vigor, eventually turning her into a champion of reason and a martyr of philosophy.