Is St Catherine of Alexandria a Fictional Person Based on Hypatia of Alexandria?

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as The Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is one of the most important saints of the Middle East. Tradition says that she was a virgin who was martyred at the beginning of the 4th century at the hands of Maxentius, a pagan Roman emperor. According to historiography, she was a princess or a noblewoman and a noted scholar.

Saint Catherine is said to have converted to Christianity when she was about 14 years old. Her new religion inspired her to convert as many people as possible. She was apparently killed when she was about 18 years old. Christian resources claim that she paid for her love of the religion with her death. French bishops said that Joan of Arc identified Saint Catherine as her inspiration.

Catherine’s feast day is on November 24 or 25 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Her day was also once an important day for the Catholic Church, but it didn't survive the test of time. Shortly after some historians started to suggest the connection between Catherine and Hypatia, the Catholic Church removed the feast day of Catherine from the General Roman Calendar. In 2002 her feast day was restored to the calendar but nowadays it's an optional celebration.

Hypatia’s Lessons

Hypatia of Alexandria was born c. 350 AD as a daughter of the famous mathematician Theon Alexandricus (c. 335 – 405 AD). The name of her mother is unknown. Hypatia grew up amongst the wisest men of her time and she was sent to school in Athens, where she could experience all the wisdom of ancient times.