Zenobia

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.