Hypatia's murder shocked many, although there were different reactions. Some condemned the act as barbaric, while others, particularly within Cyril's camp, attempted to justify or downplay its significance. The event highlighted the growing religious intolerance within Alexandria.

During the Middle Ages, Hypatia's story was largely forgotten, except in certain scholarly circles. It was during the Enlightenment that her life and work were rediscovered and celebrated as a symbol of reason and freethinking. She became an icon of Enlightenment values.

In modern times, Hypatia has become a powerful symbol of feminism, intellectual freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of oppression. She is often invoked in discussions about the role of women in science and the importance of critical thinking and tolerance.

Hypatia's story has been adapted into novels, plays, and films, further popularizing her image as a brilliant and tragic figure. The film "Agora" (2009) brought her story to a wider audience, although it was criticized for its historical inaccuracies.