How women in Hypatia’s culture used technology
At the time of Hypatia in Alexandria, the city had three elaborate harbors with docks, dikes, canals, and a lighthouse, limestone temples, museums and libraries. Artists blew glass and made “Egyptian Queen” Pottery and terra cottas. Coins were minted in gold and silver. (Smith)
Lay accounts of tools used by women in Hypatia’s time include clay ovens, storage jars, bowls, pots, pans, ladles, sieves, and whisks for cooking. Wealthy women owned metal jewelry, dishes, and household goods.
Academics and craftspeople used metalsmithing techniques to build instruments. The astrolabe hypatia had made for Syrius was created by a silversmith. (Fitzgerald, letter no. __)
