num_pages: 240
description: This study reconstructs Hypatia's existential and intellectual life and her modern Nachleben through a reception-oriented and interdisciplinary approach. Unlike previous publications on the subject Hypatia explores all available ancient and medieval sources as well as the history of the reception of the figure of Hypatia in later history literature and arts in order to illuminate the ideological transformations/deformations of her story throughout the centuries and recover the true story. The intentionally provocative title relates to the contemporary historiographical notion of false or fake history as does the overall conceptual and methodological treatment. Through this reception-oriented approach this study suggests a new reading of the ancient sources that demonstrates the intrinsically political nature of the murder of Hypatia caused by the phtonos (violent envy) of the Christian bishop Cyril of Alexandria. This is the first comprehensive treatment of the figure of Hypatia addressed to both academic readers - in Classics Religious Studies and Reception Studies - and a learned non-specialist readership.
language: None
title: Hypatia: The True Story
publisher: de Gruyter