Hypatia
Hypatia
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Synesius of Cyrene and Hypatia

This timeline focuses specifically on the relationship between Hypatia and Synesius of Cyrene, one of her most prominent students and a later bishop. Their correspondence provides valuable insight into Hypatia's intellectual influence.
Synesius Studies with Hypatia
Late 4th Century AD
Synesius of Cyrene studied with Hypatia in Alexandria. He considered her a highly respected teacher and philosopher, and he maintained a close intellectual relationship with her.
Correspondence Between Synesius and Hypatia
Early 5th Century AD
Synesius and Hypatia exchanged letters on a variety of topics, including philosophy, politics, and personal matters. These letters provide insight into Hypatia's philosophical views and her influence on Synesius's thinking. The surviving letters are a vital source of information about Hypatia.
Synesius as Bishop of Ptolemais
Early 5th Century AD
Synesius later became the Bishop of Ptolemais. Despite his conversion to Christianity and his role as a bishop, he continued to seek Hypatia's advice on philosophical matters, demonstrating her enduring influence on his intellectual life.
Synesius' Death and the Loss of Connection
Post 415 AD
Synesius died a few years after Hypatia's murder. His passing represented a significant loss of a critical voice that valued Hypatia's intellect and memory within the shifting Alexandrian landscape.