Dynasty

After Odainath died, Zenobia assumed political authority over Palmyra on behalf of her son Wahballath, proclaiming him “king of kings” and governor of Odainath’s territories. Her reign was eventful. As queen, Zenobia emulated powerful women rulers, whether contemporary or from remote antiquity. She controlled a vast amount of Roman territory from Egypt to Anatolia and upper Mesopotamia. But rather than admitting to a breach with the Roman court, Zenobia insisted that she was governing Roman territory on its behalf. As ruler, she governed diverse subjects, including Jews, Christians, and Manichaeans.