Hipparchia was born c. 350 BC in Maroneia, Thrace. Her family came to Athens, where Hipparchia's brother, Metrocles, became a pupil of the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes. Hipparchia fell in love with Crates, and developed such a passion for him, that she told her parents that if they refused to allow her to marry him, she would kill herself.
Hipparchia, born around 350 BC in Maroneia, Thrace, moved to Athens with her family where her brother, Metrocles, became a student of the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes. Hipparchia was deeply infatuated with Crates and threatened to end her life if her parents did not allow them to marry.