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Item Conspiracy Theories: Plagues in Antiquity and the Ebola Virus Disease in Africa(2015) Aneni O.MConspiracy 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 studyItem Exercise in Antiquity and Modern Times: Catholicon for Healthy . Living(2019) Aneni O.MAncient 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.Item Kin Endogamy and the Blood Taint in Ancient Egypt and Nigeria(2019) Aneni O.MKin 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.Item WASTE TO ENERGY SOLUTION IN ANTIQUITY AND IBADAN(2018) Aneni O.MWaste to energy solution, the technology that converts municipal solid waste to energy has been discussed by several ancient and modern scholars. Several other authors have identified the types of waste as well as energy derived from such wastes, the various types of processes and the consequences of waste to energy technology in some other countries. This study examines waste to energy solution in antiquity, and proposes a modern equivalence for the sprawling metropolis of Ibadan. The paper further argues that turning waste to energy has environmental and health implications for the society. The argument being put forward in this discourse is that since ancient Greeks and Romans could take recourse to renewable energy, albeit in a rudimentary manner devoid of modern technology, it is therefore pertinent that this technology, which has become modern, be adopted to address the waste problem of Ibadan, and provide renewable energy from waste for the city. Further studies may examine how the technology can be adopted and simplified for individual personal structures, and other parts of the countryItem Cultural Diffusion and The Unification Policies of Alexander the Great(2018) Aneni O.MAncient 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 DiadochiItem INTERROGATING HETEROSIS AND CONSANGUINITY FOR LIVESTOCK AND HUMAN POPULATIONS(2018) Aneni O.MHeterosis 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.Item POLITICS OF THE PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY(2016) Aneni O.MHellenistic 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 recommendedItem Politics and power in the courts of two queens: cleopatra of Egypt and India of the old Benin kingdom(2016) Aneni O.MThe 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.Item Lack of Purpose and Unity: Hannibal’s Failures, Carthage’s Doom(2015) Aneni O.MHannibal 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 recommendedItem Social status Roman Tripolitaniaan and Nigeria(2015) Aneni O.MModern authors have persistently made incisive efforts to interpret social status and other social cultural aspects o f the society in antiquity and modern times. This paper sets out to interpret social status in Roman Tripolitania and Nigeria. For Roman Tripolitania, it utilizes Latin inscriptions while drawing distinctions between status o f the high and low. In Nigeria obituaries on daily newspapers are examined in an attempt to explain that, more often than not, the high and mighty memorialized their departed on the pages ofnewspapers. This paper contends that in Roman Tripolitania and Nigeria, erecting epitaphs and displaying obituaries were intentional; to memorialize the dead, to flaunt the status of personalities, to enumerate their achievements, to demonstrate heirship and possibly, to attract the interest o f the powers that be. The study adopts a methodology that is both historical and comparative to highlight issues that border on social status in both societies. The data accessed were subjected to content analysis. Further studies that may examine burial customs and ceremonies in ancient Rome and modern Nigeria are recommended.