Who founded the Palmyrene Empire and when did it begin?
Odaenathus declared himself king in 260 to form a breakaway state from the Roman Empire. The empire existed as an independent entity from 270 until its destruction in 273.
Questions about Palmyrene Empire
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Queen Zenobia launch her invasion of Egypt?
An October 270 invasion force of 70,000 men entered Egypt and declared her queen there. General Tenagino Probus regained Alexandria in November but was defeated and committed suicide at Babylon fortress.
How did Emperor Aurelian defeat the Palmyrene forces in 272?
Emperor Aurelian crossed Bosphorus in 272 advancing quickly through Anatolia toward Tyana. He defeated Zenobia at Battle of Immae then captured Antioch before besieging Palmyra in summer 272 while she refused surrender terms.
What happened to the city of Palmyra after the rebellion erupted in 273?
Aurelian marched against Palmyra aided by internal faction led by senatorial Septimius Haddudan. The emperor razed the city taking valuable monuments to decorate his Temple of Sol during the destruction phase.
Why do scholars debate the nature of the Palmyrene revolt?
Scholars debate whether revolt stemmed from ethnic identity or imperial ambition regarding the breakaway state. Fergus Millar noted insufficient evidence exists to conclude nature of Palmyra's revolt despite mid-twentieth century Syrian nationalism revival interest.