12.4 Zenobia, Last Empress of Palmyra (Syria)

Zenobia is one of the great enemies of Rome. From the oasis city of Palmyra (in modern-day Syria), she rose up in rebellion and conquered a great empire from Asia Minor through to Egypt. This episode covers:

the background of Palmyra as an important stop on the Silk Road

just how disastrous the 3rd century was for Rome

how Zenobia's husband Odaenathus saved the eastern empire

how he died

how Zenobia took control on behalf of her son

how she expanded her empire

how Rome fought back and eventually won

conflicting theories on how Zenobia died

what has happened to Palmyra throughout the intervening centuries, and especially recently under ISIS control

Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures.
Support the show on my Patreon page for bonus episodes, polls, and a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Or make a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee.
Join Into History (intohistory.com/herhalfofhistory/) for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content.
Visit Evergreen Podcasts to listen to more great shows.
Follow me on Twitter (X) as @her_half. Or on Facebook or Instagram as Her Half of History.
The feature image is by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126112516
 
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Zenobia is one of the great enemies of Rome. From the oasis city of Palmyra (in modern-day Syria), she rose up in rebellion and conquered a great empire from Asia Minor through to Egypt. This episode covers:

the background of Palmyra as an important stop on the Silk Road
just how disastrous the 3rd century was for Rome
how Zenobia's husband Odaenathus saved the eastern empire
how he died
how Zenobia took control on behalf of her son
how she expanded her empire
how Rome fought back and eventually won
conflicting theories on how Zenobia died
what has happened to Palmyra throughout the intervening centuries, and especially recently under ISIS control

Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures.

Support the show on my Patreon page for bonus episodes, polls, and a general feeling of self-satisfaction. Or make a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee.

Join Into History (intohistory.com/herhalfofhistory/) for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content.

Visit Evergreen Podcasts to listen to more great shows.

Follow me on Twitter (X) as @her_half. Or on Facebook or Instagram as Her Half of History.

The feature image is by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126112516

 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices