Palmyra Kingdom
(Text by Duane R. Hurst © 2013)
Click on a link to view its information and pictures.
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PALMYRA LINKS: Significant Event: Famous Way Station for Caravans Flourished under Roman Control Main Cities: Palmyra (Pictures); Sela Time: 1200-800 BC Language: Aramaic; Greek Personage: Solomon; Zenobia Religion: Palmyra Gods Related Country: Syria Brief History: I have included only a few items concerning the history of this kingdom. A good source for more details can be found on Wikipedia or in history books. |
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EARLY ERA KINGDOM:
Anciently, Palmyra was an important caravan city that was mentioned in the archives of Mari. It often retained autonomy in the midst of more powerful states and empires. The Hebrew Bible (Second Chronicles 8:4) mentioned that King Solomon of Israel fortified the city. The Seleucid Empire conquered Syria in 323 BC, but allowed Palmyra to retain independence. The city largely was nomadic until circa 50 AD, when it became an elegant city and became part of the Roman Empire. PALMYRENE EMPIRE (260-273 AD): Between 260 and 273 AD, Queen Zenobia ruled the short-lived, splinter Palmyrene Empire, with a capital at Palmyra. She was able to gain territory after soldiers murdered the Roman emperor, Alexander Severus, and the Sassanid Empire defeated Roman legions. In 258 AD, the Roman Empire fragmented into three major components, one being the Palmyrene Empire. Governor Lucius Septimius Odaenathus used his forces to resist Sassanid incursions. A nephew murdered Odaenathus and his son, but Zenobia (a second wife) ruled in the name of young son, Vaballathus. In 270 AD, Aurelian became the Roman emperor and recovered eastern territory. His forces defeated general Zabdas (a former slave who commanded Zenobia's army) in the battles of Immae and Emesa (aka Homs). |
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© Page Publisher: Duane R. Hurst
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