The Influence of Odenathus on the Roman Empire

Odenathus was married to Zenobia, who become important in future episodes. Palmyra and that whole surrounding area gives me the impression of it's part of the Roman Empire, but it's very independent. Odenathus paid much court to Shapur as one who had greatly surpassed the Romans. According to lead him on, he set magnificent gifts and other goods which Persia was not rich in. He also sent letters expressing in treaty and saying that he'd done nothing against the Persians. But Shapur however instructed the slaves who received the gifts to throw them into the river and tore up and crushed the letters.