Zenobia

Engraving of Zenobia

**Zenobia** is a woman renowned for having governed the Palmyrene Empire, a political entity that defied Roman authority. She assumed control over the provinces of Cappadocia, Syria, and Egypt during a time when Rome was mired in the prolonged turbulence of the "*Crisis of the Third Century*." Noted for her appreciation of the arts and refined sensibilities, she transformed Palmyra, the capital of her empire, into an indispensable cultural center of the Orient. Artists and philosophers who encountered her readily drew parallels between her and the legendary Cleopatra VII, citing both their physical resemblances and political significance. Yet despite her stature as a crucial figure of the 3rd century, Zenobia never attained the same level of renown as Cleopatra VII. She reigned over the East from 267 to 272, even assuming the imperial title (*Augusta*) after supporting her son's claim to the Roman Empire. Following a series of military triumphs, she eventually fell to Aurelian's forces in 272 during his military campaign. Her capture and subsequent journey to Rome as a prisoner of Aurelian are chronicled in the *Augustan History*.

Zenobia (*Septimia Bathzabbai Zenobia*) is believed to have been born between 240 and 241 into an aristocratic family from Palmyra and Antioch in Arabia. The exact identities of her parents remain unclear. The *Augustan History* informs us that she received an education befitting the highest nobility of the East, which included the study of philosophy. Consequently, she attained fluency in Latin, Greek, Aramaic, and Egyptian. Endowed with a dynamic disposition and a slender physique, she indulged in numerous hobbies and relished hunting.

   She wedded the governor of Palmyra, *Septimius Odaenathus*, a man of high standing who proclaimed himself the King of Kings of Palmyra in 260. Following this marriage, Zenobia started to gain fat, aligning with the tradition of the imperial nobility. As a result, she cultivated a distinguished reputation due to the exceptional quality of her banquets and her cultural refinement, notably in the realm of music.

In 267, her husband and eldest son were assassinated for reasons that remain unknown. Some sources suggest that a cousin of Odaenathus might have conspired against him. Consequently, Zenobia assumed the role of regent for the Palmyrene Empire. She took advantage of the prevailing Roman military turmoil and the emperors' inability to counter the Sassanian Empire's threat, leading to an expansion of her influence and political control across the region.

In order to secure her economic interests, the queen fortified her kingdom's borders by annexing the province of Arabia Petraea and Egypt. Zenobia was tasked with administering a territory enriched with diverse cultures, notably Hellenistic and Arab influences. To achieve this, she embraced a policy of cultural tolerance, a stance that positioned Palmyra as a hub for artistic and philosophical production. Similarly, her domain encompassed a spectrum of faiths, including Christians, Jews, Manicheans, and various polytheistic religions.

In 271, at the zenith of her power, Zenobia proclaimed herself *Augusta* and declared her son Wahballat (*Septimius Vaballathus*) as Emperor of the Roman Empire. This move incited the ire of many and thrust Zenobia into the intense power struggle of Rome. Aurelian, aspiring to the throne and intent on consolidating the empire under his dominion, positioned himself as a direct rival to Zenobia.

He dispatched a military expedition into her realm, methodically capturing Zenobia's strategic strongholds until reaching Antioch. Following the city's surrender, the roads to Palmyra lay exposed. Bereft of defenses, the city succumbed without combat. Zenobia's capture occurred as she attempted to escape across the Euphrates.

Aurelian transported her to Rome, where he showcased her before the entire city during his illustrious triumph. Subsequently, she was condemned to exile in the Roman town of Tibur. The circumstances surrounding her demise in 275 remain undisclosed to this day.

A genuine emblem of the late Roman Empire, Zenobia has cemented her status as an essential icon within ancient literature. Her beauty has left a lasting impact on numerous Neoclassical painters, elevating her curvaceous form to a true benchmark of feminine beauty.