Rachel Weisz has admitted that she didn't know the story of Hypatia in her new movie Agora.
Agora is a historical drama set in Roman Egypt, concerning a slave who turns to the rising tide of Christianity in the hopes of pursuing freedom while also falling in love with his master, the famous female philosophy professor and atheist Hypatia of Alexandria.
Weisz takes on the role of Hypatia in the movie, which is directed by Alejandro Amenábar and also stars Max Minghella.
Speaking to the BBC the actress said: "The thing I couldn't believe is that this is a true story.
"Everything that happens in the film is true - apart from her having the slave and the slave being in love with her, that's a little Hollywood invention - but the fact that no one has made a film about her is pretty extraordinary.
"I'd never heard of her even. And she's a remarkable, remarkable woman."
Agora is the second movie of the year for Weisz after starring in Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lovely Bones.
The Brother Bloom, which sees her work alongside fellow Oscar winner Adrien Brody, is also due for release later this year.
Agora is released 23rd April.
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