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Zenobia: A Third-Century Queen of Palmyrene Empire

Zenobia, also known as Bat-Zabbai or Zanovia, was a third-century queen of the Palmyrene Empire in Syria. Born around 240 CE, she married Odaenathus, who became king of the city of Palmyra in 260 and elevated it to supreme power in the Near East by defeating the Sasanian Empire of Persia and stabilizing the Roman East.

After Odaenathus' assassination in 267, Zenobia became the regent of her son Vaballathus and held de facto power throughout his reign. In 270, she launched an invasion that brought most of the Roman East under her sway. Her military campaigns expanded Palmyra's influence across the region, solidifying its position as a major center of trade and culture.

Zenobia was a cultured monarch who fostered an intellectual environment in her court, which was open to scholars and philosophers. She maintained a stable administration that governed a multicultural, multiethnic empire. The empress kept a strong government that ruled over a vast territory, encompassing parts of modern-day Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

Her reign is marked by controversy, with some historians questioning her legitimacy as ruler. However, Zenobia's military prowess and diplomatic skills earned her recognition from the Roman Empire. She was eventually exiled to Rome in 271, where she spent the rest of her life under imperial supervision.

Despite her tumultuous fate, Zenobia left a lasting legacy in art and history. Her name became a symbol of resistance against the Romans, and her character has been depicted in various works of art throughout the centuries. The historian Victor Duruy believed that Zenobia used the Greek name "Zabbai" as a translation of her native Palmyrene name, showing respect for her Greek subjects.

Philologists have debated the origins of her name, with some arguing that it underwent a transformation from Bat-Zabbai to Zenobia. The ninth-century historian al-Tabari wrote that her name was Na'ila al-Zabba', further highlighting the complexities surrounding her identity.

Zenobia's story is also intertwined with that of her son and successor, Vaballathus. After his death in 272, she continued to rule as regent until Aurelianus exiled her to Rome. Her reign marked a significant period in Pal