Emperors of Rome
Episode CCXIII - Zenobia
Aug 4, 2023
Associate Professor Caillan Davenport discusses the rise of Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra, and her challenge to the Roman Emperor Aurelian. Topics include Zenobia's territorial expansion, her adoption of Roman titles, Aurelian's capture of Zenobia, and the significance of her name. Zenobia's mythical persona and comparison to historical figures like Boudicca and Cleopatra are also examined.
34:50
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Quick takeaways
- Zenobia established herself as a powerful ruler in the East, minting coins and seeking recognition from local audiences.
- Zenobia's forces expanded their control, capturing important regions including Arabia and Egypt, posing a potential threat to Rome's grain supply.
Deep dives
Zenobia: Rise to Power and Claiming Titles
Zenobia, the wife of Septimius Odynathus, took over the power vacuum after her husband's murder and proclaimed her son, Valabathus, with Roman titles. She asserted herself as the ruler in the East, minting coins and appealing to local audiences for recognition. While there were tensions between Zenobia and the Roman Empire, she sought recognition and may have been planning a campaign against her. However, her actions were met with resistance as Rome did not acknowledge her claims.
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