Day 6

Ludwig Iselin (1559-1612) was a prominent scholar from Basel whose life was marked by both academic achievement and personal tragedy. Born to Johann Ulrich Iselin and Faustina Amerbach, he lost his father to the plague in 1564 and was subsequently raised by his uncle, Basilius Amerbach the younger.

Iselin pursued an impressive education across Europe, studying under some of the era's most distinguished scholars. He trained with the renowned Calvinist theologian Theodore Beza in Geneva (1581), followed by studies under Jacobus Cujacius in Bourges (1582). His academic journey took him to Padua in 1586, from where he explored the cultural centers of Italy, including Florence, Rome, and Venice.

Returning to his hometown of Basel, Iselin's career flourished. In 1589, he earned his doctorate in both laws and was appointed city syndicate (Stadtsyndikus). His academic prowess led to his serving two terms as rector of the University of Basel (1597-1598 and 1607-1608), and in 1610 he achieved the prestigious position of professor of Roman law.

Though he enjoyed professional success and a marriage to Anna Ryhiner, daughter of Emanuel Ryhiner, Iselin's later years were marked by devastating loss. The plague of 1610-1611 claimed six of his seven children, and he himself died shortly thereafter at the age of 53. While he authored numerous works, including memoirs, most of his writings remain unpublished.

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