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. Revised edition in paperback.
