Zenobia ruled the prosperous kingdom of Palmyra in Syria with her husband. She wore the pants in the family and even went to battle at her husbands side. It was said that she sometimes marched with her soldiers. This would not have been unusual for a woman who was given military training along with the boys when she was growing up. She also had the ability to drink most men under the table. In 267, her husband was assassinated (possibly by her) and she became sole ruler. Not content with just Palmyra, she conquered the rest of Syria, Egypt, and parts of Asia Minor. Technically she was allied with Rome, but that changed when she declared independence. And then she changed the minting of coins in Egypt, replacing the image of the emperor with her own. That meant war! The Roman army easily defeated her army, even though she was still marching with her troops. They laid siege to Palmyra and sacked the city. Although Zenobia managed to escape, she was soon captured and brought to Rome. She was the main attraction in the victorious generals triumph. The crowd got to see this Amazon walking in golden chains in the parade. Normally, a defeated ruler would be put to death, but the Romans were impressed with her beauty and intellect. She was pardoned and given a nice estate to live in.
– Amazing p. 390-1
https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/ancient-history-middle-east-biographies/zenobia
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