Zenobia, ascending the throne of Palmyra,
declared herself "Zenobia Augusta, the Empress of the East," and,
after the manner of her time, extended her empire in every
direction until, as the record says: "A small territory in the
desert, under the government of a woman, extended its conquests
over many rich countries and several states. Zenobia, lately
confined to the barren plains about Palmyra, now held sway from
Egypt in the south, to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea in the
north."
But a new emperor ruled in Rome: Aurelian, soldier and statesman.
"Rome," he said, "shall never lose a province." And then the
struggle for dominion in the East began. The strength and power
of Rome, directed by the Emperor himself, at last triumphed.
Palmyra fell, and Zenobia, after a most heroic defence of her
kingdom, was led a prisoner to Rome. Clad in magnificent robes,
loaded with jewels and with heavy chains of gold, she walked,
regal and undaunted still, in the great triumphal procession of
her conqueror, and, disdaining to kill herself as did Cleopatra
and Dido, she gave herself up to the nobler work of the education
and culture of her children, and led for many years, in her villa
at Tibur, the life of a noble Roman matron.
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