Who was Oppian, and what is his significance in ancient literature?

Oppian, also known by variations such as Oppian of Anazarbus, of Corycus, or of Cilicia, was a Greco-Roman poet who lived during the 2nd century AD. He is primarily recognized for composing the *Halieutica*, a five-book didactic epic poem centered on the subject of fishing. His work places him chronologically during the reigns of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus.

What are the different names or appellations by which Oppian is known?

Oppian is known by several names and geographical descriptors, including Oppian of Anazarbus, Oppian of Corycus, and Oppian of Cilicia. These names refer to his likely place of origin or association within the Roman province of Cilicia, an area in modern-day southern Turkey.

During which Roman emperors' reigns did Oppian live and compose his works?

Oppian lived and composed his poetry during the reigns of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. This period is generally understood to be the latter half of the 2nd century AD, specifically between 176 and 180 AD for their joint rule.

What is the primary work attributed to Oppian, and what is its subject matter?

Oppian's most significant work is the *Halieutica*, a didactic epic poem composed in Ancient Greek hexameter. This extensive poem, approximately 3,500 lines long, focuses on the subject of fishing, detailing the behavior of marine animals and various fishing techniques.

Where did Oppian claim to be from, and what additional information do medieval biographies provide about his birthplace?

Oppian himself stated he was from 'the city of Hermes' and the 'city at the promontory of Sarpedon'. Medieval manuscript biographies supplement this by suggesting his birthplace was either Caesarea (modern Anazarbus) or Corycus in Cilicia, or Corycus according to the Suda lexicon.

In which Roman province were Oppian's claimed or attributed birthplaces located?

The cities mentioned as Oppian's origin or birthplace, such as Anazarbus and Corycus, were all situated within the Roman province of Cilicia. This region is located in what is now southern Turkey, indicating Oppian's roots in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.

What is the *Halieutica*, and what is its approximate length?

The *Halieutica* is a didactic epic poem written by Oppian in Ancient Greek. It comprises five books and is approximately 3,500 lines in length, dedicated to the study of fishing and marine life, blending instruction with poetic narrative.

To whom was Oppian's *Halieutica* dedicated, and what does this dedication suggest about its composition date?

The *Halieutica* bears a dedication to the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus. This dedication strongly suggests that the poem was composed during the period of their joint rule, which spanned from 176 to 180 AD, placing it firmly in the late 2nd century.

Besides the *Halieutica*, what other didactic poems were traditionally attributed to Oppian?

In addition to the *Halieutica*, two other didactic poems were historically attributed to Oppian: the *Cynegetica*, which deals with hunting, and the *Ixeutica*, which concerns bird catching. These works, along with the *Halieutica*, formed a thematic trio of didactic poetry.

Who is generally identified as the author of the *Cynegetica* if not Oppian himself?

The *Cynegetica*, a didactic poem on hunting, is not considered to be by the same Oppian who wrote the *Halieutica*. Its anonymous author is commonly referred to as Pseudo-Oppian or Oppian of Apamea, distinguishing them from the author of the fishing epic.

What is the current scholarly understanding regarding the *Ixeutica* and its author?

The *Ixeutica*, a poem on bird catching that survives only in a prose paraphrase, was also attributed to Oppian. However, current scholarship suggests it was likely composed by a different individual named Dionysus, who is also credited by the Suda lexicon with a treatise on rocks, rather than Oppian of Cilicia.

What is the most probable reason for the attribution of multiple didactic poems (hunting, fishing, fowling) to a single author named Oppian?

The likely explanation for attributing the *Cynegetica* (hunting), *Halieutica* (fishing), and *Ixeutica* (fowling) to Oppian is that these three didactic poems were historically circulated together as a complementary set or trio. This common circulation may have led to a unified attribution over time, even if authorship varied.

According to the anonymous biographies, what led to Oppian's father being exiled?

The biographies suggest Oppian's father was exiled after incurring the displeasure of Lucius Verus, a colleague of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This occurred because Oppian's father allegedly neglected to pay proper respects to Verus during his visit to Rome, leading to his banishment.

Who was Lucius Verus in the context of Oppian's biography?

Lucius Verus was a figure associated with Emperor Marcus Aurelius, serving as his co-emperor from 161 until his death in 169 AD. In the context of Oppian's biography, he is mentioned as the official whose displeasure led to the exile of Oppian's father.

Where was Oppian's father banished to during his exile?

Oppian's father was banished to the island of Malta. Oppian himself accompanied his father into this exile, indicating a close familial bond during their period of hardship.

What event marked the return of Oppian and his father from exile?

Oppian and his father returned from exile after the death of Lucius Verus in 169 AD. Upon their return, Oppian presented his poems, notably the *Halieutica*, to Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

How did Emperor Marcus Aurelius reportedly reward Oppian for his poems?

According to the biographical accounts, Marcus Aurelius was highly pleased with Oppian's work. He rewarded the poet with a piece of gold for each line of his poem, took him into imperial favor, and also granted a pardon to Oppian's father.

What is stated about Oppian's death?

After returning to his native country following his imperial favor, Oppian died of the plague. He was reportedly only thirty years old at the time of his death, indicating a premature end to his life and literary career.

How did Oppian's contemporaries honor him after his death?

Oppian's contemporaries honored him by erecting a statue in his memory. An inscription associated with this statue, which is still extant, lamented his early death and praised his precocious genius, highlighting the esteem in which he was held.

How is the *Halieutica* structured, and what are its main thematic divisions?

The *Halieutica* is structured into five books. The first two books primarily focus on describing the behavior of fish and other marine animals, including their reproductive habits and interactions. The subsequent three books, books 3 through 5, detail various techniques used for fishing.

Does the *Halieutica* serve as a practical manual for fishing?

No, the content of the *Halieutica* is not considered sufficient to function as a practical guide for fishing. While it describes fishing methods, its primary purpose seems more literary and didactic, using the descriptions to illustrate moral or behavioral examples rather than providing technical instruction.

How does Oppian anthropomorphize the fish and marine animals in the *Halieutica*?

Oppian frequently depicts the fish and other marine animals in an anthropomorphic manner. Their actions and behaviors are often portrayed as being driven by human-like emotions such as hate, love, greed, jealousy, and friendship, giving them relatable, albeit poetic, motivations.

What literary technique does Oppian employ when describing the actions of animals in the *Halieutica*?

Oppian frequently uses Homeric similes in the *Halieutica* to describe the actions of fish and other marine creatures. In a notable reversal of the typical epic technique, he often compares the actions of these animals to various aspects of human behavior, rather than comparing heroes to animals as Homer did.

What specific topics are covered in Book 1 of the *Halieutica*?

Book 1 of the *Halieutica* begins with an introduction and the dedication to Marcus Aurelius. It then presents a catalog of marine animal species, organized by their habitat, followed by a description of their reproductive behaviors.

What is the focus of Book 2 of the *Halieutica*?

Book 2 of the *Halieutica* concentrates on the interactions between marine animals, particularly detailing the 'battles' between predators and their prey. It describes how predators hunt and the various strategies fish employ to evade capture by other creatures.

What fishing techniques are described in Book 3 of the *Halieutica*?

Book 3 of the *Halieutica* begins by outlining preparations for fishing. It then discusses how fish attempt to escape fishermen, followed by a significant portion detailing various methods used to catch fish by exploiting their gluttony. The book concludes with a focus on catching tuna, noting fish that can be caught due to their aggression.

What is the primary theme explored in Book 4 of the *Halieutica*?

The main theme of Book 4 of the *Halieutica* revolves around fishing techniques that manipulate the 'love and lust' of fish. The latter part of the book also describes methods such as frightening fish and using poison to capture them, showcasing diverse approaches to angling.

What types of large sea creatures are discussed in Book 5 of the *Halieutica*?

Book 5, described as the grand finale of the *Halieutica*, focuses on methods for catching the largest marine animals. These include whales, sharks, and dolphins, demonstrating the poem's scope extends to the most formidable inhabitants of the sea.

What subject concludes the *Halieutica*?

The *Halieutica* concludes with a section discussing the fatal consequences associated with sponge diving. This serves as the final topic covered in the epic poem, adding a cautionary note about human endeavors in the marine environment.

Who published the *Editio Princeps* (first printed edition) of Oppian's works, and when?

The *Editio Princeps* of Oppian's works, which included a Latin translation by Laurentius Lippius, was published by Aldus Manutius in Venice in 1517. This marked the first time Oppian's writings were made available in printed form to a wider audience.

What significant publication related to Oppian occurred in Strasbourg in 1534?

In 1534, Strasbourg saw the publication of the first Johannes Caesarius edition of Oppian's works, translated by Laurentius Lippius. This edition also included related texts, such as parts of Pliny the Elder's *Natural History* and a work by Paulus Jovius on fish, offering a collection of classical knowledge.

Which scholars were responsible for significant scholarly editions or paraphrases of Oppian's works mentioned in the text?

Several scholars are noted for their work on Oppian's texts. These include Conrad Rittershusius (1597), Iac. Lectius (1606), Joh. Gottlob Schneider (1776), F. S. Lehrs (1846), and U. C. Bussemaker (who published the Scholia in 1849). Fajen F. also published an edition of the *Halieutica* in 1999, indicating ongoing scholarly engagement with Oppian's work.

Who provided early English translations of Oppian's works?

Early English translations of Oppian's works are mentioned, including a translation of the *Halieutica* by Diaper and Jones published in Oxford in 1722, and a translation by A. W. Mair published in 1928 as part of the Loeb Classical Library series, making Oppian accessible to English-speaking readers.

What is the *Halieutica* generally considered to be, rather than a practical manual?

The *Halieutica* is generally considered a didactic epic poem. While it details fishing methods, its content is often interpreted as serving a literary or moral purpose, using the descriptions of animals and human actions as examples, rather than providing a straightforward technical guide for anglers.

What does the Suda lexicon state regarding Oppian and the *Ixeutica*?

The Suda lexicon, an ancient Byzantine encyclopedia, is mentioned in relation to the *Ixeutica*. It suggests that the author of the *Ixeutica* might be a different individual named Dionysus, who also wrote a treatise on rocks, rather than Oppian himself, indicating a potential misattribution in the manuscript tradition.

How did Oppian's father's alleged neglect lead to his exile?

Oppian's father's exile stemmed from his failure to show proper deference to Lucius Verus, an associate of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, during Verus's visit to Rome. This perceived slight angered Verus and resulted in the father's banishment, a significant event in Oppian's family history.

What is the significance of the *Halieutica* in terms of its literary style and content?

The *Halieutica* is significant for its use of didactic epic poetry, focusing on fishing. It employs anthropomorphism for marine life and frequently uses Homeric similes, often reversing the traditional epic comparison by comparing animal actions to human behaviors, thereby offering a unique perspective on the natural world within a literary context.

What specific types of fishing techniques are detailed in the *Halieutica*?

The *Halieutica* details various fishing techniques, including those that exploit the gluttony of fish, methods that manipulate their mating instincts ('love and lust'), fishing with poison, and techniques for catching specific species like tuna, sharks, whales, and dolphins. These descriptions showcase a wide range of human ingenuity in interacting with marine life.

What does the phrase 'city of Hermes' and 'city at the promontory of Sarpedon' refer to in Oppian's writings?

These phrases are self-references made by Oppian within his work, indicating his place of origin or strong association. They are interpreted by scholars, along with information from later biographies, to point towards cities like Anazarbus or Corycus in Cilicia, establishing his geographical and cultural context.

What is the historical context provided for Oppian's life and work?

Oppian lived and wrote during the 2nd century AD, a period marked by the reigns of Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. This era was part of the Pax Romana, a time of relative peace and stability within the Roman Empire, though it also saw events like the plague that tragically cut short Oppian's life.

How does the *Halieutica* differ from a modern scientific text on marine biology or fishing?

Unlike a modern scientific text, the *Halieutica* is not primarily a practical guide or a purely objective scientific treatise. It incorporates literary devices like anthropomorphism and similes, often attributing human emotions and motivations to fish, and uses the subject of fishing as a vehicle for exploring broader themes or providing moral examples, rather than just technical instruction.

What is the role of the Suda in understanding Oppian's works?

The Suda, a 10th-century Byzantine encyclopedia, is a source of information regarding ancient Greek literature. In the context of Oppian, it provides details that help scholars differentiate between the author of the *Halieutica* and the author of other attributed works, like the *Ixeutica*, suggesting alternative attributions based on its historical records.

What does the term 'didactic epic' imply about Oppian's *Halieutica*?

The term 'didactic epic' signifies that Oppian's *Halieutica* is a long narrative poem (epic) that also aims to teach or instruct (didactic). It combines storytelling and poetic form with the purpose of conveying information, in this case, about fishing and marine life, albeit in a literary rather than purely technical manner.

What is the significance of the *Halieutica* concluding with the dangers of sponge diving?

The conclusion of the *Halieutica* with the fatal outcomes of sponge diving adds a cautionary element to the poem. It broadens the scope beyond just fishing techniques to encompass other potentially perilous human interactions with the marine environment, perhaps serving as a final moral reflection or warning about the risks involved.

How did the Roman province of Cilicia contribute to Oppian's identity as a poet?

Cilicia was the Roman province where Oppian's claimed or attributed birthplaces, such as Anazarbus and Corycus, were located. Being identified with this region firmly places Oppian within the context of Greco-Roman culture and literature of the Eastern Roman Empire, shaping his literary heritage.

What does the phrase 'Greco-Roman poet' imply about Oppian?

The term 'Greco-Roman poet' indicates that Oppian was a writer from the Roman period who composed in the Greek language and tradition. This reflects the cultural synthesis of the time, where Greek language and literary forms continued to flourish within the broader political and social framework of the Roman Empire.

What is the historical significance of Oppian's work being dedicated to Marcus Aurelius and Commodus?

The dedication of the *Halieutica* to Marcus Aurelius and Commodus is significant because it anchors the poem's composition within a specific historical timeframe (176-180 AD) and suggests the poet sought imperial patronage or recognition. It also places Oppian among the literary figures of that imperial court or period.

What does the existence of multiple editions and translations of Oppian's work suggest about its reception?

The publication of numerous editions and translations of Oppian's works, starting from the 16th century, indicates sustained interest in his writings throughout history. This suggests that the *Halieutica* and other attributed poems were valued by scholars and readers across different eras and cultures, leading to their continued study and dissemination.

What is the role of 'Scholia' in relation to Oppian's texts?

Scholia are ancient or medieval commentaries written in the margins of manuscripts, providing explanations or interpretations of the text. The mention of 'Scholia in ... Oppianum' indicates that Oppian's works were studied and annotated by later scholars, preserving critical commentary alongside the original texts and aiding in their understanding.

How does the *Halieutica* portray the relationship between humans and the natural world?

The *Halieutica* portrays a complex relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly the sea. It details human methods for exploiting marine life for sustenance and potentially other purposes, while simultaneously describing the intricate behaviors, defenses, and even perceived emotions of the animals being targeted. This suggests a view where nature is both a resource and a subject of detailed observation and literary representation.

What is the purpose of the 'Authority control' section at the end of the article?

The 'Authority control' section provides standardized identifiers for Oppian across various international and national databases. These identifiers, such as ISNI, VIAF, and Library of Congress control numbers, help uniquely identify Oppian and link related resources, ensuring consistency in cataloging and research.

Oppian Wiki: The Aquatic Muse: Exploring Oppian's Classical Verse on Fishing

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Introducing Oppian

A Voice from Antiquity

Oppian, also known as Oppian of Anazarbus, of Corycus, or of Cilicia, was a distinguished Greco-Roman poet flourishing in the 2nd century AD. His creative period coincided with the reigns of Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, a time of significant cultural and political development within the Roman Empire.

The Master of Didactic Verse

He is primarily celebrated for his five-book didactic epic, the Halieutica. This monumental work delves into the world of fishing, offering insights into marine life and ancient techniques. The poem is not merely a practical manual but a sophisticated literary piece, rich with allegorical and moralistic undertones.

Cilician Roots

Oppian hailed from the Roman province of Cilicia, in what is now southern Turkey. His specific origins are often cited as Anazarbus (modern-day Nazilli) or Corycus, cities known for their historical significance and connection to classical learning.

The Life of Oppian

Origins and Exile

According to biographical accounts appended to medieval manuscripts, Oppian's father incurred the displeasure of Lucius Verus, a prominent figure associated with Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This led to the father's banishment to Malta. Oppian accompanied his father into this period of exile.

Imperial Favor and Return

Upon the death of Verus in AD 169, Oppian returned. He presented his poetic works, notably the Halieutica, to Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The emperor was reportedly so impressed that he rewarded Oppian generously and granted a pardon for his father, facilitating their return to their homeland.

Premature End

Tragically, Oppian's life was cut short. He died of the plague shortly after returning to his native Cilicia, at the remarkably young age of thirty. His contemporaries honored his genius by erecting a statue, accompanied by an inscription lamenting his early demise and celebrating his precocious talent.

Literary Contributions

The Halieutica

Oppian's magnum opus, the Halieutica, is a didactic epic poem comprising approximately 3,500 lines written in Greek hexameter. It is dedicated to Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Commodus, dating its composition to their joint rule (176-180 AD).

The poem is meticulously structured into five books, each addressing distinct aspects of fishing and marine life:

Book 1: Introduces the work with a dedication to Marcus Aurelius, followed by a catalog of marine species categorized by habitat, and concludes with descriptions of their reproductive behaviors.
Book 2: Focuses on the predatory dynamics within marine ecosystems, detailing how predators capture prey and the evasive strategies employed by fish.
Book 3: Details the preparations for fishing, methods of evading fishermen, and techniques for capturing fish by exploiting their gluttony and aggression. It concludes with a section on tuna fishing.
Book 4: Explores methods of fishing that manipulate the 'love and lust' of fish, alongside techniques involving frightening them and using poisons.
Book 5: Serves as a grand finale, describing the capture of the largest marine animals such as whales, sharks, and dolphins, and concluding with the perilous practice of sponge diving.

Attributed Works: Cynegetica & Ixeutica

Two other didactic poems have been traditionally attributed to Oppian: the Cynegetica (on hunting) and the Ixeutica (on bird catching). However, scholarly consensus now largely attributes the Cynegetica to a later poet, often referred to as Pseudo-Oppian. The Ixeutica survives only in a prose paraphrase and is also subject to debated authorship.

The attribution of all three works to Oppian likely stems from their circulation as a complementary set covering hunting, fishing, and fowling.

Poetic Craft and Purpose

Anthropomorphism and Emotion

A distinctive feature of the Halieutica is its anthropomorphic portrayal of fish and marine creatures. Oppian imbues these animals with human emotions such as hate, love, greed, and jealousy, using these characteristics to drive the narrative and illustrate behaviors. This technique elevates the poem beyond a simple treatise on ichthyology.

Homeric Similes Reimagined

Oppian frequently employs Homeric similes, a hallmark of epic poetry. However, he often reverses the traditional application: whereas Homer typically compares heroes to animals, Oppian frequently compares the actions of animals to various human behaviors and situations. This stylistic choice adds depth and resonance to his descriptions.

Beyond Practicality: Moral and Allegorical Dimensions

The Halieutica is not intended as a practical guide for fishermen. Instead, the interactions and behaviors of the aquatic life serve as allegorical examples of virtuous and flawed human conduct. The poem thus functions as a vehicle for moral instruction and philosophical reflection, characteristic of didactic poetry.

Scholarly Editions and Translations

Historical Editions

The Halieutica has been preserved through numerous editions and scholarly efforts over centuries. Key early editions include:

The Aldine edition (Venice, 1517) with a Latin translation by Laurentius Lippius.
The first Johannes Caesarius edition (Strasbourg, 1534).
Editions by Vascosanus (Paris, 1549) and Turnebus (Paris, 1555).
Later critical editions by Conrad Rittershusius (1597), Iac. Lectius (1606), and Joh. Gottlob Schneider (1776).
Significant scholarly contributions include works by F. S. Lehrs (1846) and U. C. Bussemaker (Scholia, 1849).
A modern critical edition is by F. Fajen (Berlin, 1999).

Notable Translations

Translations have made Oppian's work accessible to a wider audience:

The English translation by Diaper and Jones (Oxford, 1722) is a historical landmark.
A. W. Mair's translation was published in the Loeb Classical Library series in 1928, providing a widely referenced scholarly edition.

These translations, alongside the original Greek text and critical commentaries, continue to facilitate the study of Oppian's enduring legacy.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Oppian" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about oppian while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

labor thanksgiving day

morality

june 1988 haitian coup détat

county borough of bury

slovenia

central nervous system

References

Mair, A.W. 1928. Oppian, Colluthus, Tryphiodorus., Loeb Classical Library, Cambridge (MA), xiii-xv.

The most comprehensive study that proves that the Cynegetica is not by Oppian is MartÃnez, S. and Silva, T. 2003. 'Opiano, Â¿un poeta o dos?', L'AntiquitÃ© Classique 72, 219-230

A full list of references for this article are available at the Oppian Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Scholars

This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon scholarly resources such as Wikipedia. It is intended solely for academic and educational purposes, providing a structured overview of Oppian and his works. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, this content is not a substitute for rigorous academic research, primary source analysis, or consultation with leading classical scholars.

This is not professional literary or historical analysis. The information presented should be critically evaluated and cross-referenced with authoritative academic sources. The AI does not provide original research or interpretation beyond synthesizing the provided data. Users are encouraged to consult peer-reviewed journals, scholarly monographs, and critical editions for definitive insights into classical literature and history.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated content. Always engage with primary sources and established scholarly consensus.

The Aquatic Muse

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introducing Oppian 🏛️

✍️ A Voice from Antiquity

🎣 The Master of Didactic Verse

🌍 Cilician Roots

The Life of Oppian 👤

📜 Origins and Exile

👑 Imperial Favor and Return

🕊️ Premature End

Literary Contributions 📚

🎣 The Halieutica

🐕 Attributed Works: Cynegetica & Ixeutica

Poetic Craft and Purpose 💡

🎭 Anthropomorphism and Emotion

⚔️ Homeric Similes Reimagined

⚖️ Beyond Practicality: Moral and Allegorical Dimensions

Scholarly Editions and Translations 📖

📜 Historical Editions

🌐 Notable Translations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice for Scholars

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introducing Oppian

A Voice from Antiquity

The Master of Didactic Verse

Cilician Roots

The Life of Oppian

Origins and Exile

Imperial Favor and Return

Premature End

Literary Contributions

The Halieutica

Attributed Works: Cynegetica & Ixeutica

Poetic Craft and Purpose

Anthropomorphism and Emotion

Homeric Similes Reimagined

Beyond Practicality: Moral and Allegorical Dimensions

Scholarly Editions and Translations

Historical Editions

Notable Translations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice for Scholars