Hypatia — Questions and answers
Read the full story
What subjects did Hypatia teach to her eager audience in Alexandria?
Choices
- A) History, geography, and art
- B) Mathematics, astronomy, and Neoplatonic philosophy ✓
- C) Music, poetry, and drama
- D) Cooking, weaving, and sculpting
Answer: B) Mathematics, astronomy, and Neoplatonic philosophy
From page 1
How could Hypatia's hydrometer tell if a liquid was denser or less dense?
Choices
- A) It would change color if the liquid was dense.
- B) It would make a sound depending on the liquid's density.
- C) It would float higher in a denser liquid and sink lower in a less dense liquid. ✓
- D) It would light up if the liquid was pure.
Answer: C) It would float higher in a denser liquid and sink lower in a less dense liquid.
From page 6
People from what different backgrounds came to Hypatia's lectures seeking wisdom?
Choices
- A) Only philosophers who agreed with her.
- B) Only scientists interested in mathematics.
- C) Pagans, Christians, and Jews. ✓
- D) Only students from Alexandria.
Answer: C) Pagans, Christians, and Jews.
From page 7
Why did Hypatia find herself in danger during the conflicts in Alexandria?
Choices
- A) She had taken too much money from the city.
- B) She was an advisor to Orestes and advocated for rational inquiry instead of choosing a side. ✓
- C) She secretly planned to leave Alexandria and start a new school.
- D) She challenged the Bishop to a math contest.
Answer: B) She was an advisor to Orestes and advocated for rational inquiry instead of choosing a side.
From page 8
According to historians, what did Hypatia's tragic death symbolize?
Choices
- A) The beginning of a new scientific era.
- B) The decline of classical learning and the end of Alexandria's golden age. ✓
- C) A time of great peace and understanding.
- D) The rise of new philosophical schools.
Answer: B) The decline of classical learning and the end of Alexandria's golden age.
From page 9
What does Hypatia's story make her an enduring symbol of today?
Choices
- A) Only a brilliant philosopher.
- B) Intellectual courage and a pioneer for women in science. ✓
- C) A queen who ruled Alexandria.
- D) Someone who gave up on learning.
Answer: B) Intellectual courage and a pioneer for women in science.
From page 10