Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th-century German abbess, writer, composer, and visionary. Born in 1098, she is known for her contributions to music, theology, and natural history. Hildegard founded the Rupertsberg monastery and was a prominent figure in the Benedictine order, advocating for the importance of women's roles in the church. Hildegard's most famous works include her musical compositions and the visionary texts, such as Scivias, which detail her spiritual experiences. She is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church and was named a Doctor of the Church in 2012, highlighting her significant influence on Christian thought and culture.