Cyril of Alexandria

Cyril of Alexandria was patriarch of Alexandria from 412 to 444 and one of the most influential Christian theologians of the fifth century. He wrote extensively on Christology, biblical interpretation and the authority of the Alexandrian church.

Cyril was a central opponent of Nestorius and played a decisive role at the Council of Ephesus in 431, which affirmed the title Theotokos for Mary. His episcopate was also marked by violent religious and political conflict in Alexandria, including clashes with Jewish communities and imperial officials.

Faith L. Justice’s Hypatia also explains the political and religious conflict surrounding her death, particularly the rivalry between the prefect Orestes and Bishop Cyril of Alexandria. Faith L. Justice separates late antique testimony from later legend, considering what can reasonably be known about Hypatia’s education, public reputation, teaching, scientific work and relationship with the city’s governing elite. Written as a companion to the novel Selene of Alexandria, it surveys the contradictory images attached to Hypatia and argues that her documented intellectual authority and public role require no romantic or supernatural embellishment.