The film refers to Hypatia as an atheist. She was a Neoplatonist, adhering to a philosophy of contemplation towards perfection. This idealistic monism sought truths from any worthy source, including pagan and Christian worship.
Hypatia was born between 350 A.D. and 370 A.D. and was murdered in 415 A.D. She was 45 to 65 years old when she died.
Synesius died in 413, two years before Hypatia. In the movie, he survives her.
Although the film shows Synesius abandoning Hypatia and attacking her theories when she refuses to convert to Christianity, in reality it was Hypatia who broke off all contact with Synesius. No record exists of his ever having tried to convert her and his letters to her even after she refused to respond are full of glowing praise for her, begging for a reply. His last surviving letter was written to her.
A major plot line is the Christians' destruction of the Great Library Library. According to historical accounts, Alexandria's vast stores of scrolls and knowledge were destroyed almost 500 years before the events of the movie. Contemporary accounts of the Decree of Theodosius attribute the loss to the Cesarean destruction in 48 BCE.
Images of earth from space show twinkling stars. Stars twinkle because their light is disrupted as it passes through the atmosphere. Stars seen from space should not twinkle.
Bird's-eye and satellite images are used to contrast the story's earthly developments and the universe Hypatia tried to disclose. These images show 400 AD Alexandria along with modern man-made Suez Canal, Assuan Dam, Lake Nasser, and Toshka Lakes..
In one scene, the Capitoline Wolf is in the background, with the figurines of Romulus and Remus. The twins were added in the late 1400s. Debate exist over whether the statue is from the 5th century BC or the 13th century AD.
When the crewman climbs to the masthead to conduct an experiment for Hypatia, he climbs the ratlines, rope ladders between the shrouds. They were invented over 1000 years later.
In the opening scene, Hypatia teaches students at the library and throws a handkerchief in the air. its edges are sewn with an overlock sewing machine.
The Roman soldiers' outfits are very different from real uniforms of the time.
One scene includes a large prickly pear cactus. They're native to the Americas, and were introduced to Europe at the beginning of the 16th century.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
