Why is Zenobia important?
Zenobia, the Rebel Queen Who Took On Rome. This ancient queen of Palmyra conquered Egypt, captured Roman provinces, and nearly transformed her realm into an empire equal to Rome. Wealth, culture, and power dwelled in the city of Palmyra in the third century A.D.
Why was Zenobia known as warrior queen?
"Warrior Queen" After her military successes, Zenobia became known as a "Warrior Queen." In leading her army, she displayed significant prowess: she was an able horsewoman and would march several miles with her foot soldiers.
Was Zenobia a warrior?
In its short bios of imperial usurpers, it states that Zenobia took part in her husband's campaigns against the Persians and often marched with her troops. It never specifies that she fought in battles. But popular culture has made Zenobia into a warrior queen anyway.
What languages did Zenobia speak?
Little is known about Zenobia's early life, and much of what is recorded in the sources are suspect. Zenobia was born to a noble Palmyrene family sometime around 240 AD, and as befitted her status received an extensive education so that she was fluent in not only Aramaic but also Egyptian, Greek, and Latin.
Who was Zenobia in the Bible?
Zenobia, in full Septimia Zenobia, Aramaic Znwbyā Bat Zabbai, (died after 274), queen of the Roman colony of Palmyra, in present-day Syria, from 267 or 268 to 272. She conquered several of Rome's eastern provinces before she was subjugated by the emperor Aurelian (ruled 270–275).
How do you pronounce Zenobia?
0:371:01How To Say Zenobia - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCenovio sé bien cenovio se ve bien.MoreCenovio sé bien cenovio se ve bien.
Who was Conan's queen?
ZenobiaThough Conan's queen, Zenobia, and his close counselors distrust the dwarf, the king heeds him.
Where is the ancient city of Palmyra?
Syrian desertAn oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.
How long did the Tetrarchy last?
Ultimately the tetrarchic system lasted until c. 324, when mutually destructive civil wars eliminated most of the claimants to power: Licinius resigned as augustus after the losing the Battle of Chrysopolis, leaving Constantine in control of the entire empire.
Who was Conan's queen?
ZenobiaThough Conan's queen, Zenobia, and his close counselors distrust the dwarf, the king heeds him.
Which city was the capital of Queen Zenobia's breakaway empire?
Named after its capital city, Palmyra, it encompassed the Roman provinces of Syria Palaestina, Arabia Petraea, and Egypt, as well as large parts of Asia Minor. The Palmyrene Empire was ruled by Queen Zenobia, officially as regent for her son Vaballathus, who inherited the throne in 267 at age ten.
Why was Aurelian assassinated?
Early in 275, while marching to open a campaign against Persia, Aurelian was murdered by a group of officers who had allegedly been misled by his secretary into believing themselves marked for execution.
Where is the ancient city of Palmyra?
Syrian desertAn oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.
What was the role of Zenobia in the world?
Zenobia was a cultured monarch and fostered an intellectual environment in her court , which was open to scholars and philosophers. She was tolerant toward her subjects and protected religious minorities. The queen maintained a stable administration which governed a multicultural multiethnic empire. Zenobia died after 274, and many tales have been recorded about her fate. Her rise and fall have inspired historians, artists and novelists, and she is a patriotic symbol in Syria.
What is the meaning of Zenobia?
She bore the gentilicium (surname) Septimia, and her native Palmyrene name was Bat-Zabbai (written "Btzby" in the Palmyrene alphabet, an Aramaic name meaning "daughter of Zabbai"). In Greek —Palmyra's diplomatic and second language, used in many Palmyrene inscriptions—she used the name Zenobia ("one whose life derives from Zeus "). The philologist Wilhelm Dittenberger believed that the name Bat Zabbai underwent a detortum (twist), resulting in the name Zenobia. In Palmyra, names such as Zabeida, Zabdila, Zabbai or Zabda were often transformed into "Zenobios" (masculine) and "Zenobia" (feminine) when written in Greek. The historian Victor Duruy believed that the queen used the Greek name as a translation of her native name in deference to her Greek subjects. The ninth-century historian al-Tabari, in his highly fictionalized account, wrote that the queen's name was Na'ila al-Zabba'. Manichaean sources called her "Tadi".
Why did Zenobia claim the imperial title?
The assumption of imperial titles by Zenobia signaled a usurpation: independence from, and open rebellion against, Aurelian. The timeline of events and why Zenobia declared herself empress is vague. In the second half of 271, Aurelian marched to the East, but was delayed by the Goths in the Balkans; this may have alarmed the queen, driving her to claim the imperial title. Zenobia also probably understood the inevitability of open conflict with Aurelian, and decided that feigning subordination would be useless; her assumption of the imperial title was used to rally soldiers to her cause. Aurelian's campaign seems to have been the main reason for the Palmyrene imperial declaration and the removal of his portrait from its coins.
Why did Zenobia have less effort in the war against Syria?
Syrian subjugation required less effort because Zenobia had substantial support there, particularly in Antioch, Syria's traditional capital. The invasion of Arabia coincided with the cessation of coin production in Claudius' name by the Antiochean mint, indicating that Zenobia had begun tightening her grip on Syria.
Why did Zenobia invade Egypt?
The invasion of Egypt is sometimes explained by Zenobia's desire to secure an alternative trade route to the Euphrates, which was cut because of the war with Persia. This theory ignores the fact that the Euphrates route was only partially disrupted, and overlooks Zenobia's ambition. The date of the campaign is uncertain; Zosimus placed it after the Battle of Naissus and before Claudius' death, which sets it in the summer of 270. Watson, emphasizing the works of Zonaras and Syncellus and dismissing Zosimus' account, places the invasion in October 270 (after Claudius' death). According to Watson, the occupation of Egypt was an opportunistic move by Zenobia (who was encouraged by the news of Claudius' death in August). The appearance of the Palmyrenes on Egypt's eastern frontier would have contributed to unrest in the province, whose society was fractured; Zenobia had supporters and opponents among local Egyptians.
When did Zenobia become Queen?
The first inscription mentioning Zenobia as queen is dated two or three years after Odaenathus' death, so exactly when Zenobia assumed the title "queen of Palmyra" is uncertain. However, she was probably designated as queen when her husband became king.
Where did Zenobia send her general?
In the spring of 270, while Claudius was fighting the Goths in the mountains of Thrace, Zenobia sent her general Septimius Zabdas to Bostra (capital of the province of Arabia Petraea ); the queen's timing seems intentional.
What did Zenobia do to the people of Alexandria?
Zenobia sent a declaration to the citizens of Alexandria, calling it "my ancestral city," emphasizing her Egyptian heritage. After this success, Zenobia personally led her army as a "warrior queen.". She conquered more territory, including Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, creating an empire independent of Rome.
Who was the general of Zenobia?
War With Rome. In 269-270, Zenobia and her general, Zabdeas, conquered Egypt, ruled by the Romans. Roman forces were away fighting the Goths and other enemies to the north, Claudius II had just died and many of the Roman provinces were weakened by a smallpox plague, so the resistance was not great.
What happened to Zenobia and her son?
Zenobia and her son were sent to Rome as hostages. A revolt in Palmyra in 273 led to the sacking of the city by Rome. In 274, Aurelius paraded Zenobia in his triumph parade in Rome, passing out free bread as part of the celebration.
What did Zenobia do to the Romans?
Zenobia also cut off grain supplies to the empire, which caused a bread shortage in Rome.
What languages did Zenobia speak?
Zenobia's languages likely included Aramaic, Arabic, Greek, and Latin. Zenobia's mother may have been Egyptian; Zenobia was said to be familiar with ancient Egyptian language as well.
Why did Zenobia ride ahead of the army?
Zenobia accompanied her husband, riding ahead of the army, as he expanded Palmyra's territory, to help protect Rome's interests and to harry the Persians of the Sassanid empire.
What does Aurelius say about Zenobia?
A letter from Aurelius includes this reference to Zenobia: "Those who speak with contempt of the war I am waging against a woman, are ignorant both of the character and power of Zenobia. It is impossible to enumerate her warlike preparations of stones, of arrows, and of every species of missile weapons and military engines."
Where did Zenobia live?
But most reliable sources agree that she eventually married a wealthy Roman man and lived out the rest of her life in a comfortable villa by the Tiber River. However her final days may have played out, Zenobia is still remembered today as one of history’s most powerful queens.
Who defeated Zenobia?
Queen Zenobia’s Fall. In 271 A.D., the Roman emperor Aurelian set out on a campaign to defeat Zenobia and reclaim the lands now under her rule. Bringing his strongest forces, the two clashed at the Battle of Immae in the city of Daphne in 272 A.D. Wikimedia Commons The Triumph of Aurelian. Aurelian’s military overpowered Zenobia’s forces ...
What Was Queen Zenobia Actually Like?
As you might imagine, historians of the time had quite a bit to say about this powerful female royal. According to the book The Roman Eastern Frontier and the Persian Wars AD 226-363, a variety of sources recorded their thoughts on Zenobia:
What happened to Zenobia during her rule?
With the center of Rome crumbling, Zenobia turned her focus to expanding her ...
Why did Zenobia flee to Palmyra?
With no other place to seek refuge, Zenobia fled back to Palmyra to regroup and shore up its defenses in preparation for another attack.
What happened to Queen Zenobia?
Queen Zenobia attempted to flee towards Persia but was caught and brought back to Aurelian. There are several differing accounts of what happened following Zenobia’s capture. Wikimedia Commons Artwork depicting Zenobia in chains.
What did Zenobia do in 269 A.D.?
In 269 A.D., she focused on strengthening her own military and concentrating her power in the East. In 270 A.D., she broke off friendly relations with Rome and began taking over their lands.
What is the meaning of Zenobia?
The name Zenobia translates from Greek as “one whose life derives from Greek.”. Her native Palmyrene name was Bat-Zabbai, or “daughter of Zabbai;” which may have been rendered as Zenobia in deference to her Greek-speaking subject. She also possessed a Roman gentilicium, or surname, which was Septimia.
What was Zenobia's program?
In Egypt, Zenobia embarked on a program of building and restoration. The Colossi of Memnon, which in earlier centuries were to “sing,” were silenced when she repaired their cracks. An adherent of the Semitic gods of Palmyra, Zenobia tolerated and accommodated a wide variety of religious minorities.
Why were Zenobia and Vaballathus spared?
She and Vaballathus were spared as Aurelian wanted to display them during his triumph in Rome.
What was the impact of Queen Zenobia's rise and fall?
Queen Zenobia of Palmyra (ca.240-274 AD) faced a power vacuum following the death of her husband and the disintegration of Roman power in the Near East.
What happened to Zenobia in 270 AD?
With the Romans distracted by further invasions in Europe, Zenobia, in 270 AD, moved to crush her rivals. Syria was easily subdued, along with northern Mesopotamia, and Judea. The Roman governor of Arabia confronted the Palmyrenes but was killed in battle.
Where was the Tetradrachm of Zenobia minted?
Tetradrachm of Zenobia, Minted in Alexandria, 271-72 AD, via The British Museum, London. With the assassination of Odaenathus, Zenobia became the regent of Palmyra on behalf of her son Vaballathus. Zenobia quickly moved to consolidate power across the east, much to the annoyance of Roman officials. With the Romans distracted by further invasions in ...
Where did Zenobia rule?
Zenobia ruled this Palmyrene Empire primarily from the city of Antioch, where she styled herself as a Syrian monarch, a Hellenistic Queen, and a Roman Empress. Despite the multilingual, multiethnic, and multicultural nature of her empire, Zenobia was able to draw wide support.
What was Zenobia's personality?
According to Augustan History, Zenobia adopted a traditionally masculine persona. She was an avid hunter, socialized with her generals, employed eunuchs to attend her (rather than ladies-in-waiting), rode horseback, and dressed as an emperor rather than an empress. She was even described as having a loud, masculine voice.
When was Zenobia born?
Much of Zenobia’s origins are hotly disputed or simply unknown by historians. It has been determined that she was born in either 240 or 241 AD. Her name at birth was Septimia Btzby.
How old was Zenobia when she became Odaenathus' second wife?
Zenobia was around 14 years old when she became the second wife of a man named Odaenathus. At the time, Odaenathus was merely the lord of the city of Palmyra, but this would change eventually…
How did Zenobia show strength?
Around 270 AD and now fully antagonistic toward Rome, Zenobia really showed that strength by successfully invading their territory in Egypt, which was weakened by the crumbling of the Roman state and some pesky pirates. The Queen was so convincing, in fact, that the Egyptians even defected to Zenobia’s side to help her take over.
Why did Zenobia go out of her hideout?
Zenobia was not one to go running with her tail between her legs, and she soon travelled out of her hideout to persuade the Persian Empire to join her in an alliance . It was a fatal error: Despite riding swiftly, Zenobia was captured by the Romans, and her city surrendered soon after they found out the bad news.
What are the problems with Zenobia?
One problem with learning about Zenobia is that no contemporary writings exist about her, and no contemporary statues of her have survived antiquity, either.
What is the Regal Facts about Queen Zenobia?
Regal Facts About Queen Zenobia, Scourge Of The Romans. History is filled with impressive female monarchs, and as far back as the third century AD, Queen Zenobia was such a ruler. Like Cleopatra so many years before her, Zenobia was a queen in the east whose power threatened Rome, and she refused to be intimidated without a hard fight.
What was Zenobia's army?
However, it is also worth noting how unique and well adapted Palmyra’s army at the time was, having encountered both the Sassanians and Romans. Zenobia’s army would have relied heavily on cavalry, both on camel and horseback, using the bow and lance. Foot soldiers were also used, both heavy infantry and archers. Perhaps the most prestigious unit would have been Palmyrene cataphracts, fully armored cavalry, man and horse completely covered. This unit would be capable of inflicting significant damage in a charge. It is worth noting that Zenobia herself led the army personally, riding and marching alongside her soldiers.
Who was the king of Zenobia?
Odaenathus, the King of Kings- Zenobia is well known to have been on the campaign trail during her life, but this is also true of her husband, Septimius Odaenathus, who ruled before her. Odaenathus was the Roman governor of Syria, who effectively set the foundation for Zenobia’s rule. Odaenathus did have ambitions for autonomy, but was surrounded by the aggressive Sassanian Persians to the east and the Roman Empire to the west. However, the Persian Emperor Shapur I managed to capture the Roman Emperor Valerian, which worked in Odaenathus ’s favor. The Palmyrene King defeated Sassanian armies in Mesopotamia, and was subsequently declared governor of Rome’s territory in all of West Asia.
Did Zenobia die in Rome?
Unknown Fate- It is well known that Zenobia ultimately lost to the Roman Emperor Aurelian, Palmyra met a tragic fate as it was sacked and destroyed. Zenobia herself was brought back to Rome and likely displayed in a triumphal parade alongside Rome’s other enemies. Some say she was spared from execution as Aurelian was impressed with the Queen’s beauty and strength. There are also stories that she committed suicide or was executed by Rome. The more optimistic and plausible story is that she was allowed to live out her days in a Roman villa.
Who carry Zenobia's body back?
The men get into a boat and start... (full context) Coverdale, Hollingsworth, and Silas make a bier to carry Zenobia ’s body back. The thought occurs to Coverdale that Zenobia probably would have chosen a different... (full context) There is no cemetery in Blithedale, so they must discuss where to bury Zenobia.
Who immediately answers Zenobia's call?
Priscilla immediately answers Zenobia ’s call and comes into the room. This is somewhat surprising to Coverdale, who initially thought... (full context)
What does Coverdale watch Zenobia talk to?
Coverdale watches Zenobia and Westervelt talk to each other. Zenobia ’s gestures and other body language indicate that she’s... (full context)
What happened to Zenobia in the pond?
After a confrontation, Priscilla and Hollingsworth walk off together, and Zenobia tells Coverdale that Hollingsworth has killed her then drowns herself in the pond. Zenobia’s death marks the end of Blithedale’s idealism, showing that the utopian experiment was doomed to fail.
What does Zenobia see when she sees Coverdale?
Zenobia sees Coverdale smile and says it’s indicative of shallow thought. She predicts that as soon... (full context)
Where does Zenobia go after Priscilla leaves?
A few months after Priscilla’s departure, Zenobia goes to Fauntleroy’s rooms. Coverdale doesn’t know the details of their conversation, but he presents... (full context)
Who obsesses over Zenobia's marriage?
Coverdale obsesses over the thought that Zenobia has been married. She is young, wealthy, and beautiful, but if she has ever been... (full context)
Overview
Septimia Zenobia (Palmyrene: 𐡡𐡶𐡦𐡡𐡩 : BTZBY, vocalized as Bat-Zabbai; c. AD 240 – c. 274) was a third-century queen of the Palmyrene Empire in Syria. Many legends surround her ancestry; she was probably not a commoner and she married the ruler of the city, Odaenathus. Her husband became king in 260, elevating Palmyra to supreme power in the Near East by defeating the Sassanians and …
Name, appearance and sources
Zenobia was born c. 240–241, and bore the gentilicium (surname) Septimia. Her native Palmyrene name was Bat-Zabbai (written "Btzby" in the Palmyrene alphabet), an Aramaic name meaning "daughter of Zabbai". Such compound names for women were common in Palmyra, where the element "bt" means daughter, but the personal name that follows does not necessarily denotes the immediate father, rather referring to the ancestor of the family. In Greek—Palmyra's diplomatic and …
Origin, family and early life
Palmyrene society was an amalgam of Semitic tribes (mostly Aramean and Arab), and Zenobia cannot be identified with any one group; as a Palmyrene, she may have had both Aramean and Arab ancestry. Information about Zenobia's ancestry and immediate family connections is scarce and contradictory. Nothing is known about her mother, and her father's identity is debated. Manic…
Queen of Palmyra
During the early centuries AD, Palmyra was a city subordinate to Rome and part of the province of Syria Phoenice. In 260 the Roman emperor Valerian marched against the Sassanid Persian monarch Shapur I, who had invaded the empire's eastern regions; Valerian was defeated and captured near Edessa. Odaenathus, formally loyal to Rome and its emperor Gallienus (Valerian's son), was declared …
Captivity and fate
Aurelian, learning about Zenobia's departure, sent a contingent which captured the queen before she could cross the Euphrates to Persia; Palmyra capitulated soon after news of Zenobia's captivity reached the city in August 272. Aurelian sent the queen and her son to Emesa for trial, followed by most of Palmyra's court elite (including Longinus). According to the Augustan History and Zosim…
Titles
The queen owed her elevated position to her son's minority. To celebrate Herodianus' coronation, a statue was erected in Palmyra in 263. According to the inscription on the base of the statue, it was commissioned by Septimius Worod, then the duumviri (magistrate) of Palmyra, and Julius Aurelius, the Queen's procurator (treasurer). According to the historian David Potter, Zenobi…
Descendants
Aside from Vaballathus, it is unclear if Zenobia had other children, and their alleged identities are subject to scholarly disagreements. The image of a child named Hairan (II) appears on a seal impression with that of his brother Vaballathus; no name of a mother was engraved and the seal is undated. Odaenathus' son Herodianus is identified by Udo Hartmann with Hairan I, a so…
Evaluation and legacy
An evaluation of Zenobia is difficult; the queen was courageous when her husband's supremacy was threatened and by seizing the throne, she protected the region from a power vacuum after Odaenathus' death. According to Watson, she made what Odaenathus left her a "glittering show of strength". In the view of Watson, Zenobia should not be seen as a total powermonger, nor as a selfless hero fighting for a cause; according to the historian David Graf, "She took seriously the ti…