Halieutica

Halieutica is a didactic poem attributed to the Roman poet Oppian of Cilicia, written in Greek verse during the 2nd century AD. The poem is divided into five books and focuses on the subject of fishing. It is considered one of the earliest comprehensive works on ichthyology and fishing techniques in antiquity. The text describes various marine creatures, their habits, and the methods used to catch them, including details on nets, hooks, and poisons. Halieutica also delves into the mythology and allegorical significance associated with the sea and its inhabitants. While Oppian's authorship has been debated by some scholars, the work is widely recognized for its scientific observations and literary merit, offering valuable insights into ancient Roman and Greek knowledge of the marine world and recreational practices. The poem's style is characterized by its descriptive language and hexameter verse.