Iulia Aurelia Zenobia of Palmyra was a 3rd century queen of Palmyra (in modern Syria), who claimed Cleopatra as ancestor, defied the Romans, and rode into battle against them, but was eventually defeated and taken prisoner.
Zenobia became queen when her husband Septimius Odaenathus and his son were assassinated in 267. Zenobia's son Vaballanthus was heir, but just an infant, so Zenobia ruled, instead. A "warrior queen" Zenobia conquered Egypt in 269 and ruled until she was captured in 274. She conquered part of Asia Minor, as well. Although Zenobia was defeated by Aurelian near Antioch, Syria, and rode in a triumphal parade for Aurelian, she was allowed to live out her life in luxury in Rome.
- Map of Ancient Asia Minor including Syria
- Augustan History
- Aurelian
- Zenobia of Palmyra
- Gibbon on Zenobia of Palmyra
- Ancient Syria
1. Hatshepsut
2. Nefertiti
3. Tomyris
4. Arsinoe
5. Cleopatra
6. Boudicca
7. Zenobia
