Freethought & Rationalism Archive

MarkA · 03-26-2008, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcriddle

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkA

Hypatia was skinned alive by monks using sharp shells (she was probably gang raped beforehand by these saintly men but of course since they were supposed to be celibate this did not figure in the later accounts). She was renowned as a philosopher and she was known for her beauty. What is not justified?

Do we have ancient evidence that Hypatia was known for her beauty (as distinct from arguably more important things such as virtue learning and wisdom) ?

Since at the time of her conflict with Cyril and supporters she was well into her 40s, she was probably looking quite aged at the time.

Andrew Criddle

From the Life of Hypatia in The Suda, 'She was so beautiful and shapely that one of her students fell in love with her and was unable to control himself and openly showed her a sign of his infatuation.'

While her age when this happened is not specified, I think 40 is not aged for a woman. Perhaps Andrew you simple prefer younger women

.

MarkA · 03-26-2008, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewcriddle

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toto

Of course, a slave would not gain freedom by becoming a Christian - just an admonishment to obey his master from St. Paul and wait for his reward in heaven.

It may have been less straightforward than that.

The Byzantine Empire was gradually developing laws restricting the ownership of Christian slaves by non-Christians. These laws were particularly intended to restrict the ownership of Christians by Jews but IIUC could have been interpreted more widely.

As a prominent controversial pagan, Hypatia might have found herself in difficulties if her slave converted to Christianity and then claimed that his ability to live a Christian live was jeopardised by being owned by a pagan.

Hypatia might have been forced to manumit the slave concerned or at least sell him to Christian masters.

Andrew Criddle

I think you are probably correct but we are talking about a dramatic device in a movie here not something that was attested in history.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.