Zenobia

Zenobia Septimia was the daughter of an Arab chief and the wife of Odenatus, King of Palmyra. She was remarkable for great beauty and learning: she spoke the Latin, Greek, Syriac, and Egyptian languages, besides Arabic, and was the friend and protector of learned men. She accompanied her husband in his wars; and it is said that the success of some of his greatest battles with the Persians was owing to her counsel, prudence, and bravery.

Gallienus, the Roman emperor, acknowledged Odenatus his partner on the Roman throne; and on the death of Odenatus (A.D. 266), Zenobia took the title of Queen of the East, and reigned as regent for her infant children, who were honored with the title of Caesars. She assumed the title of Augusta, and appeared in imperial robes. For five years she ruled with firmness and success, though the Romans tried to take away her power.

When Aurelian became emperor of Rome he immediately marched to the East, determined to punish the pride of Zenobia. He was well aware of her valor, and of her successes in war. Egypt acknowledged her power, and all the provinces of Asia Minor were subject to her command. When Aurelian approached Syria, Zenobia appeared at the head of seven hundred thousand men. She bore the hardships, and performed the labors of the field, like the meanest of her soldiers, and walked on foot fearless of danger.

Two battles were fought, in which the queen was victorious; but an imprudent evolution of the Palmyrean cavalry ruined her cause, and defeat was inevitable. She fled to Palmyra, and endured a siege; but when she found the city could hold out no longer, she escaped from it by night, but was overtaken and captured (A.D. 273). She was brought into the presence of Aurelian; and although the soldiers were clamorous for her death, he decided to reserve his fair and celebrated captive to adorn the triumph of her conqueror. As she was led through the streets of Rome, she almost fainted beneath the weight of the jewels and gold chains with which she was adorned. Aurelian treated her with great humanity, and gave her a handsome residence near Tivoli, where she passed the rest of her life in comfort and luxury as a Roman matron of high rank. She compiled an abridgment of the history of the Oriental nations and of Egypt, which was greatly commended by the ancients. Her children married into families of high distinction at Rome.