Ammurapi vs Zenobia

Ammurapi was the last king of Ugarit when the city was destroyed by the Sea Peoples, a confederation of maritime raiders. The attack occurred during a period of widespread collapse in the Late Bronze Age, leading to the abandonment of Ugarit and the end of its kingdom.

Ammurapi sent a desperate letter to the king of Alasiya (Cyprus) requesting military aid against the approaching Sea Peoples. The letter, found in the Ugarit archives, reveals the urgency of the threat and the lack of effective response from allies, preceding the city's fall.

Zenobia, queen of Palmyra, led her army in conquering Egypt from the Roman Empire. She claimed descent from Cleopatra and presented herself as a liberator. The conquest gave Palmyra control of Egypt's grain supply and established Zenobia as a major power in the East.

Zenobia expanded the Palmyrene Empire by conquering much of Anatolia and Syria, including the cities of Antioch and Tarsus. Her general Zabdas defeated the Roman prefect Tenagino Probus. By 271, Zenobia controlled a vast territory from Egypt to the Bosphorus.

Zenobia declared Palmyra's independence from the Roman Empire, minting coins with her image and assuming the title of Augusta. She established a separate court and administration, challenging Roman authority in the East and creating the Palmyrene Empire.

Zenobia's army was defeated by the Roman emperor Aurelian at the Battle of Emesa. Despite initial success, the Palmyrene forces were routed. Zenobia fled to Palmyra, which was then besieged by Aurelian. This battle marked the beginning of the end of the Palmyrene Empire.

Zenobia was captured by Aurelian while attempting to flee to the Sassanid Empire. She was taken to Rome and paraded in Aurelian's triumph in 274 AD. According to most accounts, she was granted a villa in Tibur (Tivoli) and lived out her life in comfortable exile.