He may have briefly studied with Samuel of Nehardea[1] in Mesopotamia, called "Babylon" in Jewish texts, his native land.
The Jerusalem Talmud relates that when the Roman emperor Diocletian visited Tyre, Hiyya went so far as to "trample over graves" to go out and see him.
[8] To improve his circumstances, Hiyya accepted a commission from Judah II to collect money to help rebuild the decaying patriarchate.
The esteem in which Hiyya was held is evident in a letter of introduction Eleazar ben Pedath provided for him: "Behold, we have sent you a great man, our envoy.
"[9] Hiyya, Ammi, and Assi visited various communities in Israel at the behest of Judah II who entrusted them with reawakening interest in the study of Jewish Law.