Browsing by Author "Aneni O.M"

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African research review
(2019) Aneni O.M
Ancient and modern scholars have discussed Alexander the Great’s prowess and intelligence even as a great leader and conqueror who stood out among his contemporaries. This paper is designed to examine Alexander’s strategy in the process of administering his conquered territories. The argument being put forth here is that, while being a conqueror of nations and people, Alexander adopted stratagems to run a successful empire. The adoption of cultural diffusion was one of the strategics. Another was adopting unification policies that aided his governance of his empire. Alexander did not stop at being a mere conqueror, but his desire to unite the world seemed stronger than conquests which appeared paramount. Being properly educated and learned, lie realized that the beauty and uniqueness of the culture of his subdued subjects in various territories were not to be discarded into the waste bin of history where it may be difficult or impossible to retrieve. These strategics arc pointers to efforts of an effectual leader as enduring and vibrant as Alexander, who desired the amalgamation and prosperity of his known world. Further studies may examine the sustainability of this cultural diffusion and his unification ideology among his Diadochi.
Conspiracy Theories: Plagues in Antiquity and the Ebola Virus Disease in Africa
(2015) Aneni O.M
Conspiracy theory is the belief that a tactically employed plot by superior instigators and adherents o f a faction is utilized to dethrone any imagined or real opposition thereby achieving an evil end Several scholars have attempted to interrogate conspiracy theories and its appeal in given societies. Others note that conspiracy theories which were once limited to fringe audiences, have become prevalent in mass media and consequently, emerging as a cultural phenomenon around the world today. The aim of this study is to examine conspiracy theories in the light o f the plagues or epidemics that devastated people in antiquity and the ebola virus disease in Africa, with a view to intrinsically interrogating the relevance of conspiracy theories to the growth and development o f society. This study puts forward the argument that society becomes more aware and protective o f herself when she assumes that a form o f conspiracy is being strategized, advertently or inadvertently, by a superior power to completely disable and decimate her bourgeoning population. The study adopts the historical and comparative enquiry approaches in examining the phenomenon with regard to the diseases in both societies. Critical theory is adopted as theoretical framework for the study
Cultural Diffusion and The Unification Policies of Alexander the Great
(2018) Aneni O.M
Ancient and modern scholars have discussed Alexander the Great’s prowess and intelligence even as a great leader and conqueror who stood out among his contemporaries. This paper is designed to examine Alexander’s strategy in the process of administering his conquered territories. The argument being put forth here is that, while being a conqueror of nations and people, Alexander adopted stratagems to run a successful empire. The adoption of cultural diffusion was one of the strategies. Another was adopting unification policies that aided his governance of his empire. Alexander did not stop at being a mere conqueror, but his desire to unite the world seemed stronger than conquests which appeared paramount. Being properly educated and learned, he realized that the beauty and uniqueness of the culture of his subdued subjects in various territories were not to be discarded into the waste bin of history where it may be difficult or impossible to retrieve. These strategies are pointers to efforts of an effectual leader as enduring and vibrant as Alexander, who desired the amalgamation and prosperity of his known world. Further studies may examine the sustainability of this cultural diffusion and his unification ideology among his Diadochi
Cultural Diffusion and The Unification Policies of Alexander the Great
(2014) Aneni O.M
Ancient and modern scholars have discussed Alexander the Great’s prowess and intelligence even as a great leader and conqueror who stood out among his contemporaries. This paper is designed to examine Alexander’s strategy in the process of administering his conquered territories. The argument being put forth here is that, while being a conqueror of nations and people, Alexander adopted stratagems to run a successful empire. The adoption of cultural diffusion was one of the strategics. Another was adopting unification policies that aided his governance of his empire. Alexander did not stop at being a mere conqueror, but his desire to unite the world seemed stronger than conquests which appeared paramount. Being properly educated and learned, lie realized that the beauty and uniqueness of the culture of his subdued subjects in various territories were not to be discarded into the waste bin of history where it may be difficult or impossible to retrieve. These strategics arc pointers to efforts of an effectual leader as enduring and vibrant as Alexander, who desired the amalgamation and prosperity of his known world. Further studies may examine the sustainability of this cultural diffusion and his unification ideology among his Diadochi.
Exercise in Antiquity and Modern Times: Catholicon for Healthy . Living
(2019) Aneni O.M
Ancient physicians such as Herodicus, Hippocrates and Galen recommended exercises as panacea for healthy living in antiquity. Modern scholars such as Christos and Tipton have variously demonstrated the importance of exercises and sports in ancient and modem European societies citing exercises as treatments for some illnesses by the doctor in the Hippocratic Corpus. This paper examined the importance of exercise in antiquity and modernity, even as it serves as a catholicon for healthy living, with a view to identifying the values and relevance of exercise in dealing with illnesses and promoting good health. Sallis and Owen behavioural epidemiology was adopted as theoretical framework. The historical and comparative methodologies were adopted as the study examined the historical trajectory and cross-cultural variations of exercise in antiquity and today’s world. The discourse in this study demonstrated that exercise has been functional as medicine and for healthy living in antiquity and modernity. Medical practitioners, exercise physiologists, including laymen understand its importance and further recommend exercise suitable for people of varying ages. Further studies may be designed to examine low to medium and medium to high intensity exercise and its health implications.
Hellenic and Hellenistic Civilization: The Case between Exclusivity and Cultural Diffusion/Acculturation in Antiquity
(2021) Aneni O.M
Hellenic, which is synonymous to the culture of the Greeks in the Classical era; and Hellenistic civilization, which relates to the culture of post-classical Greek era have been discussed variously by Ancient and modem authors, noting their emergence and the consequences of the systems. This study, was therefore designed, to examine Hellenic structure and Hellenistic civilization, with a view to comparing both concepts in the classical and post-classical Greek world, Africa and the near East. The study argued that Hellenistic civilization served a greater purpose than the Hellenic system, due to the fact that it was more inclusive and so brought greater benefits to Greeks and non-Greeks. The Hellenic culture was exclusive to the Greeks. The study continued to argue that Hellenistic civilization, especially beginning from 323 BC, demonstrated some indices of cultural diffusion/acculturation that may have informed our modem assumptions on nationalism, imperialism and colonialism. The paper further argues that given an appropriate balance, cultural diffusion/acculturation whether deliberate or accidental, is an effective strategy for social development in given societies. The study adopts the comparative historical research as its methodology in examining the subject matter. Studies that may examine acculturation policies in ancient Rome and her provinces are recommended.
HISTORICAL ANALYSES OF THE BATTLES OF THE SELEUCID EMPIRE
(2022) Aneni O.M
Ancient authors such as Plutarch, Appian and Diodorus Siculus narrate the histories of the several wars that the Seleucid Empire was involved in. Modem authors draw from the works of ancient authors in discussing governance and exclusiveness of the Seleucids in their relationship with the people in their sphere of control, the personalities . of the Seleucid rulers, especially Seleucus I Nicator and Antiochus III the Great, with little attention paid to the battles of the Seleucid Empire. This paper, therefore, attempts to examine the battles fought by the Seleucid Empire, with a view to interrogating the strategies employed during the battles, the essence of some of these battles and the peace treaties drawn in the course of the battles. The paper adopts John Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism as its aid in the discourse of the frequent battles. The paper also implements a historical methodology as it further provides a trajectory of the battles and some of the strategies deployed by the Seleucids in engaging heir enemies. Studies that may examine the tactics employed by the Seleucid rulers in the Syrian wars are recommended.
Influence of culture over marital love and fidelity in ancient Rome and Ugboha of Edo state
(2013) Aneni O.M
This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other.
INTERROGATING HETEROSIS AND CONSANGUINITY FOR LIVESTOCK AND HUMAN POPULATIONS
(2018) Aneni O.M
Heterosis or hybrid vigour is an increase in the yield of a hybrid animal over those of its parents; and consanguinity, the quality of being descended from the same ancestor as another person; have been discussed independently by scholars. However, this study attempts a side by side investigation of heterosis and consanguinity as they affect livestock and human populations in antiquity and Nigeria, with a view to understanding how these cultures/strategies can positively or negatively affect the progress and prosperity of a society. The social development theory is adopted to further present an expansionary view on how society can grow and prosper with regard to these themes. The argument that heterosis or exogamy is more advantageous than consanguinity for the growth of a society is put forward in the discourse. Further studies may examine excessiveness in heterosis with regard to human development even in antiquity and Nigeria.
Interrogating infanticide/ Child euthanasia in the Roman christian era, vis-a-vis the Abuja practice
(2013) Aneni O.M
The purpose of this paper is an attempt to examine infanticide practices in the roman christian era and intetrrogate infanticide and child euthanasia in the same era. It alsoattempts to point out infanticide practies in abuja and makes a distinction between infanticide and child euthanasia in abuja. the study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the issuees surrounding infanticde/chid euthanasia in the roman christian era and infanticide in abuja. A deliberate attempt at population reduction and man This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other. This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other. This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other. This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other. This paper , interrogated the role and pressures of culture over marital love and fidelity and vice-versa in both societies. The study employed historical and comparative methodologies to highlight the influence of culture over on ancient rome were classical and modern authors. Inscriptions from the corpus inscriptionumm latinarum (CIL) were also utilized. For Ugboha. Information was gathered from literary works, and oral interviews. The data were subjected to contect analysis.This paper argued that culture which has the capacity to influence peoples action with regard to marriage , intended to become partial and in times of change , becomes dynamic in order to suit the needs of contemporary times. This paper concludes by saying that in spite of the Hamitic hypothesis, culture and people of a society can grow and develop independence of each other
Interrogating the Strategies of the Maccabees
(2020) Aneni O.M
The Maccabean revolt has elicited reactions in the arena of scholarly debates by experts in the various fields of Hellenistic civilization. Tcherikover, Hengel and Bicker have focused on the Seleucid-Jewish relations, the control of the Ptolemaic, Seleucid and Roman Empires over Judea, the probable causes of the Seleucid-Jewish wars and many other themes, with little attention paid to the strategies adopted by the Maccabees in their resistance against the Seleucid Empire, their victory over the Seleucid Empire and wresting her independence from the Empire. This paper, therefore, narrates the battle fought between the Seleucid Empire and the Jews, with a view to examining the strategies adopted by the Maccabees as she engaged the Seleucids for the control of their social, political and religious .£pace. The study employs the Foco Theory of Revolution as framework. The historical methodology is also adopted as it provides the trajectory of the battles, and the personalities of the chief instigators of the Seleucid and Maccabees' battles. Further studies that may examine the relationship between Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Jewish High Priest, Jason are recommended.
INTERROGATING THE SUCCESSES AND FALIURES OF THE SELEUCID EMPIRE
(2020) Aneni O.M
The narratives surrounding the Seleucid Empire have been presented by modern historians, and drawing from the works of such ancient authors as Appian, Pliny, Polybius, and Iosephus on the subject matter. These modern scholars namely, Strootman, Houghton and Lorber, Kurt and SherwinWhite among others have discussed the various aspects of the history, culture and structure of the Seleuicid Empire, with little attention paid solely to her attainments and shortcomings. This study attempts to critically interrogate the successes and fiascos of the Empire, with a view to highlighting the workings of the leadership that translated to victories and failures in the Seleucid kingdom. The paper argues that the leaders who were motivated and succeeded in expanding the frontiers ofthe kingdom, in due course, became careless and deficient in employing effective strategic measures in administering the empire, and her weak foreign policies exacerbated the conflicts with allies and foes alike. Further studies may examine allthe wars and peace treaties undertaken bythe Seleucid Empire.
Kin Endogamy and the Blood Taint in Ancient Egypt and Nigeria
(2019) Aneni O.M
Kin Endogamy, marriage between siblings, has been a practice among several cultures of the world. This is a deviation from positions of sociologists, anthropologists and psychologists on a universal incest taboo even as they premised it on four theories; the demographic, indifference, repression and evolution theories. Several scholars have discussed kin endogamy in the pre-Christian and Christian eras of the Greco-Roman societies citing evidences; explaining that indication of close-kin marriage could have been adoption rather than incest; and noting that royal incest may have been occasioned by the quest for ultimate power, even in the Ptolemaic dynasty. This paper took an in-depth study of sibling marriage in Ptolemaic Egypt and in some communities in Nigeria, with a view to understanding the rationale behind this socio-cultural practice and its effects on inbred children. The paper argues that it is highly probable that this consanguineous marriage even among the Ptolemies of Egypt may have resulted in genetic/biological and psychological setbacks among inbred descendants such that assassinations among siblings for power became the order of the day. The study further argued that kin endogamy was practiced due to, among others, the ideology of the blood taint or pure blood. Further studies that may examine exogamous culture in the Greco-Roman world and Nigeria were recommended.
Lack of Purpose and Unity: Hannibal’s Failures, Carthage’s Doom
(2015) Aneni O.M
Hannibal Barca, the son of Hamilcar Barca has been described by several Classical and modern authors as one of the greatest war strategists who ever lived. He fought and won several battles against the Roman State which at the time was the superpower in Italy and her environs. In spite of Hannibal's skills and strategies, Carthage could not annihilate Rome. This paper aims to examine the rationale that instigated Hannibal's failure to deal a decisive and crushing blow on the Roman State. The paper argues that the Carthaginian government's unresponsiveness towards Hannibal caused his failure. It continues to state that because Carthage refused to nurture and maintain the offensive realism stance, she was not motivated to consolidate Hannibal's victories in once allied territories of Rome now subdued by Hannibal; Carthage was also not motivated to send troops and resources to Hannibal which he needed to deal a crushing defeat on Rome. Consequently, Hannibal's failures translated to Carthage's doom. Thus, in 202 BC, Hannibal was defeated by Scipio Africanus. And again, after the Third Punic War of 149-146 BC, Carthage was destroyed and razed to the ground by Rome. Further studies that may examine Rome's strategies and tactics against enemy states are recommended
Lead poisoning in ancient Rome
(2007) Aneni O.M
Lead, a poisonous metal is extremely toxic even in microscopic quantities. The preponderance as well as the effectiveness of this greyish metal, especially in the production of domestic, industrial and architectural applications rendered it popular among ancient Romans. It was used for the production of pots, pans and cosmetics. It was also used for the production of water pipes, and enhancing the colour and taste of wine. A school of thought links lead poisoning to the fall of the ancient Roman Empire. On the other hand, another school of thought asserts that it is untenable to suggest that lead poisoning affecting the ruling aristocrats brought about the collapse of this great empire. However, both groups agree that lead poisoning was an issue in the empire. This discourse views the importance of lead; the role it played in the productivity of the empire and aspects of lead poisoning in ancient Rome
MUNIFICENCE OF THE ARISTOCRATS OF ROMAN TRIPOLITANIA
(2002) Aneni O.M
Many authors such as Banaji (2002; 2015), Mattingly (2003), and Cherry (1988), have variously discussed Rome’s policies in Roman Tripolitania as well as economic and agricultural progress of Tripolitania which was aided and controlled by the aristocrats of the region. This study, however, aims to examine munificence in the form of donations by aristocrats of Roman Tripolitania from their largesse towards their patriae (fatherland). These donations ranged from beautification to erections of some monuments in their cities. This paper intends to examine, using data in the form of Latin inscriptions, munificence of the elites of the region. The data for this study is sourced from the Inscriptions of Roman Tripolitania (IRT). The paper adopts a methodology that is historical as it throws light on status of men and the munificence of the aristocrats of Roman Tripolitania. The paper argues that the munificence of the aristocrats of the region was one of the obligations of men of such high economic and social standing. The study further argues that in exchange of the donations, aristocrats earned recognition in the form of political allegiance from the citizens and the states. Further studies that may examine social status in Roman Tripolitania are recommended.
Nigeria and the Classic
(2009) Aneni O.M
various factor such as diseases, superstitious beliefs, lead poisoning, infanticle, plagues, and much more can be attributed to death in antiquity, people died more from diseases than from the aforementioned factors. Such diseases included fevers (causes, tertian,quartan, and quotidian), tuberculosis, cough, dysentery, tenesmus, diarrhea, brain fever, paroxysms, opthalmia, hemipleghia stranguty, and many more .Of the above named disorders, the fevers which is malaria was the leading cause of death in antiquity. the tertian, quartan, quotidian and the irreglar fevers were frequently mentioned in the works of ancient medical practitioners such as Hippocrates, Aulus cornelius celsus, varro and pliny the Elder some contemporary authors such as david soren and robert sallares through intense reseach unraveled and procnounced plasmodium falciparum (malaria) as the cause of death of children whose bones were excavated in lugnano teverina. This paper however, considers the aforesaid fevers which are malarial in nature as the prinpal cause of death in antiquity.
Politics and power in the courts of two queens: cleopatra of Egypt and India of the old Benin kingdom
(2016) Aneni O.M
The aim of this paper is to examine the character, personality, intrigues involved in the power and politics o f two different female principalities who existed and reigned in tM’o distinct epochs. Queen Cleopatra o f Egypt exhibited skills which surpassed those o f her predecessors and secured her position as Pharaoh in Egypt. Queen Idia of the old Benin Kingdom was a powerful political figure who, during her incumbency, sustained her son, Oba Esigie on the throne. The paper contends that both female leaders believed in their capacity to rule, therefore, they exuded strong political strategies for the greater good o f their interest. This paper discovers that both queens who were indeed brave utilized what they possessed to achieve what they desired. Consequently, Queen Cleopatra won the support and love o f Julius Caesar first and then Mark Anthony. The title of Jyioba, (King’s mother) was bestowed on Queen Idia by her son the Oba (king) o f Benin. Studies that may interrogate political strategies o f some leaders in both ancient Rome and Benin Empire are recommended.
POLITICS OF THE PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY
(2016) Aneni O.M
Hellenistic studies and Egyptology have concentrated on the spread and influence of Hellenism, on the one hand, and the value of ancient Egypt’s monument and artifacts, on the other hand. This study focuses on the politics that directed and helped sustain the successors of Alexander the Great on the throne of Egypt. Ptolemy 1 Soter. the instigator of the Ptolemaic dynasty, fought vehemently, gallantly and decisively to consolidate his authority and control over Egypt anjl her consequent spread. However, his successors played several politics; majorly that of assassination, for the enviable position of ^Pharaoh, unfortunately, to the detriment of the state. This study contends that besides the earliest Ptolemies, the other successors, having ignored the legacy of Ptolemy 1 Soter and the expansion of Egypt’s frontiers, fostered and nurtured this politics of assassination among others. It concludes with the argument that the contenders encouraged political retrogression to the nadir and therefore were not fit for the throne, for this politics of assassination among others reduced Egypt and hindered her from attaining the status of a much more formidable world power that would have been reckoned with during that period. The study is historical in nature but adopts the expository method. Studies that may interpret Egypt’s strong diplomatic relations with other ancient nations are recommended
Prosopography of the Somatophylakes of Alexander the Great
(2022) Aneni O.M
Ancient authors such as Arrian, Polybius, Plutarch and several others have dedicated a huge amount of literature to the exploits and politics of Alexander the Great. Modern scholars, drawing from the narrations of ancient authors, have analysed several aspects of the times and life of this great leader and those of his Diadochi. However, little attention has been paid to the men who served as his bodyguards. This paper is therefore designed to examine the biographies of the somatophylakes of Alexander the Great, with a view to understanding their roles throughout the period of Alexander's warring years until his death in 323 BC, as well as their positions and influences post Alexander. The paper adopts a historical methodology as it examines the times and lives of the bodyguards. Plutarch's ideology on biography is adopted as framework. Further studies may examine the sphere of control of the Diadochi and their roles in promoting Hellenistic culture in Africa and the Near East after the demise of Alexander