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

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