The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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c. 231-after 271
Syrian queen who built a short-lived empire that briefly challenged Roman hegemony in the East. Born Bat Zabbai, Zenobia was destined to become one of the most significant female rulers of antiquity. Her town of Palmyra served as an important trading post for caravans crossing the Syrian desert, and today its ruins reflect the powerful impact of Hellenism in the region. Following the death of her husband Odenathus, Zenobia ruled Palmyra as regent for her son Vaballath, and eventually began building a realm that included much of Egypt. The situation became so serious that the Roman emperor Aurelian (r. 270-275) personally came to Syria, defeated Zenobia, and brought her back to Rome in chains. Legend holds that the wily Zenobia was not executed, however, but married a Roman senator and lived out her days in comfort.