Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian missionary and scholar living in Alexandria during the Roman Empire. According to hagiographical tradition, she was a princess who converted to Christianity in her youth and used her intellect to defend the faith. She is famously remembered for debating pagan philosophers and successfully converting many to her belief. Following her refusal to renounce her faith to the emperor Maxentius, she was executed, earning her the title of a great martyr.