Hildegard von Bingen

Profession: Composer, Writer and Philosopher

Biography: Bingen created more surviving chants than any other composer of the Middle Ages, and was one of the few known to have written both the music and the words. Her "Ordo Virtutum", is one of the earliest examples of liturgical drama and arguably the oldest surviving morality play.

She was a polymath - writing philosophical treatises, poetry, songs, botanical guides, medical articles, and theological tomes.

Bingen also founded two monasteries, and served as abbess at her convent.

Born: September 16, 1098
Birthplace: Bermersheim vor der Höhe, County Palatine of the Rhine, Holy Roman Empire
Star Sign: Virgo

Died: September 17, 1179 (aged 81)