Over the course of four years, I pursued an independent research project on Hypatia of Alexandria, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer, and one of the most remarkable women of late antiquity. This project ultimately became the foundation for my published book, Hypatia: The Sum of Her Life, which introduces general audiences to Hypatia’s life and legacy while grounding the narrative in rigorous academic inquiry.

Research Focus

My work focused on tracing Hypatia’s contributions to mathematics and philosophy in the context of her time, a world shaped by Neoplatonism, shifting religious power, and the fading light of Alexandrian intellectual life. My goal was not only to understand Hypatia’s ideas, but also how her identity and work were shaped, silenced, or reimagined by later writers.

Research Methodology

To reconstruct Hypatia’s intellectual legacy, I consulted dozens of primary and secondary sources, including ancient texts, peer-reviewed articles, and archival materials from the Getty Research Institute. My research included the works of Damascius, Socrates Scholasticus, and John of Nikiu, among others, as well as modern scholarship evaluating the political and theological influences on their portrayals.

Selected Sources

A complete bibliography appears in the back of my book, but here are a few representative works that shaped my research: Maria Dzielska, Hypatia of Alexandria Edward J. Watts, Hypatia: The Life and Legend of an Ancient Philosopher Damascius, Life of Isidore Socrates Scholasticus, Ecclesiastical History Ronald Mellor, The Historians of Ancient Rome Gettings from the Getty Research Library Archive (ancient manuscript facsimiles, historical commentaries)

PDF of full bibliography coming soon

From Research to Book

This research culminated in the writing of my book, which aims to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and accessible storytelling. While written for general readers, every chapter was rooted in extensive source analysis, with citations and commentary integrated throughout. The Hypatia Project reflects my passion for making the history of science visible and inclusive, and it laid the foundation for my continuing research in the history of mathematics.

NOTE: This page is a work in progress. I will be adding more resources, images, and commentary as I continue to expand this project.