Al-Zabba' (better known in the west as Zenobia) was one of the most important women of classical antiquity. She ruled the Palmyrene Empire in modern Syria and Anatolia, as well leading a famous revolt against the Romans and capturing Egypt from them.
Famed for her great beauty (it is recounted by Arab historians that she surpassed Cleopatra), she was the second wife of King Septimius Odaenathus of Plamyra. Zenobia became queen following Odaenathus' death in 267. By 269, Zenobia had expanded the empire, conquering Egypt and expelling the Roman prefect, Tenagino Probus.
She ruled until 271, when she was defeated and captured by the Emperor Aurelian. However, he was so impressed by her beauty and dignity that he freed her and granted her an elegant villa in Tivoli, where she lived in luxury and became a prominent philosopher and an important figure in Roman society.
Given the recent events with the capture and possible imminent destructuion of Palmyria by extremist jihadis, I felt it appropriate to celebrate the memory of their great queen. Hope you like it! (p.s. theres a lot of detail in here so best viewed full size. No postwork this time!) « Less
