Title: A worthy warrior queen : perceptions of Zenobia in ancient Rome
Abstract: Thesis (M.A.L.S.)--Georgetown University, 2009.; Includes bibliographical
references. Ancient Rome had a longstanding history of conflict with Eastern queens beginning,
before its very foundation, with Dido and most famously exemplified by Cleopatra. Literature
suggests powerful women from the East were particularly feared and loathed. Yet the Palmyrene
ruler Zenobia, who claimed descent from Cleopatra and briefly conquered Egypt, was reportedly
admired and, once vanquished by Aurelian, was allowed to retire comfortably to a villa in
Tivoli. By examining surviving historical texts of the 3rd century, and comparing them with
surviving historical and literary texts from the Augustan age, this thesis will postulate why
the Roman perception of Zenobia appears to have differed so radically. It will conclude that
Aurelian, who was markedly sensitive to his public image, waged a propaganda campaign that
emulated that of Augustus in some respects, but ultimately differed because he needed for
Zenobia to be admired in order to justify his victory over a woman.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: dissertation
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