Hypatia

Damascius in Life of Isidore presented a story of Cyril passing by Hypatia's house. This minuscule story has a significant meaning because it correctly proves Cyril's jealousy of Hypatia. A large crowd was gathered in front of Hypatia's house when Cyril was passing by. "When Cyril learned this he was so struck with envy that he immediately began plotting her murder and the most heinous form of murder at that" (Damascius 1). From this it can be concluded that Cyril truly envied Hypatia, which eventually led to the murder of Hypatia. .
             Not only was Cyril jealous of the large crowds in front of Hypatia's house, she was also jealous of Hypatia's entire life. Damascius once again states, "Cyril beheld with a jealous eye of the gorgeous train of horses and slaves who crowed the door of her academy" (Dzieska 92). It is a fact established that Cyril was already jealous of Hypatia's popularity. Furthermore, Hypatia's significance to the society, appearance, knowledge and background all sought out jealousy from Cyril. Cyril's jealousy of Hypatia combined with Cyril's personality was enough to trigger Cyril to murder Hypatia. .
             Studying Cyril's personality, it can be concluded that Cyril definitely murdered Hypatia because of jealousy. Cyril can be described as " an impetuous, power-hungry man more relentless in pursuit of authority he aroused strong opposition in Egypt (84). Moreover, Damascius stated that "Cyril could not even dream of such adulation; he was unwanted and disliked from the moment he ascended to the bishopric" (90). As the quotes state, Cyril was not a good leader and would do anything to obtain and manage his power. Additionally, Hypatia was not only influencing the Alexandrians but she was also influencing people in Constantinople, Syria and Cyrene. "Her friendships and influence among imperial functionaries and hieratic of the church would surely have generated anxiety among Cyril's followers" (89).