Skip to main content

The murder of ancient Alexandria's greatest scholar - Soraya Field Fiorio

1,658,419 Views

4,197 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

In the city of Alexandria in 415 CE, the bishop and the governor were in a fight. It started with a disagreement over the behavior of a militia of monks, and ended with an accusation of witchcraft leveled against one of the most powerful figures in the city: Hypatia, philosopher and advisor to the city’s leaders. Who was Hypatia and why was she deemed a threat? Soraya Field Fiorio investigates.

During Hypatia’s lifetime, it was common for civic officials to ask teachers and philosophers for advice about how to govern fairly. This tradition has since been lost. What are some benefits of this custom?

Login to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Soraya Field Fiorio
  • Director Biljana Labović
  • Narrator Susan Zimmerman
  • Art Director Elsa Esteban
  • Animation Elsa Esteban
  • Music Stephen LaRosa
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Associate Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler