Polity Kingdom of Palmyra

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Was a breakaway state of the Roman Empire established by Zenobia in 270 AD and that managed to control Egypt, Palestine, Syria and southern Anatolia.

Establishment

  • November 270: In 270 Zenobia managed to conquer most of the Roman east in a relatively short period, and tried to maintain relations with Rome. In 271 she claimed the imperial title for herself and for her son. In October of 270, a Palmyrene army of 70,000 invaded Egypt, and declared Zenobia queen of Egypt.

Chronology

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1. Crisis of the Third Century

Was a period in which the Roman Empire nearly collapsed due to invasions and secessions. In particular, the period saw the creation of two secessionist states: the Gallic Empire andhe Kingdom of Palmyra.

1.1. Secession of the Kingdom of Palmyra

Was the secession of most of the Roman east under Zenobia.

  • November 270: In 270 Zenobia managed to conquer most of the Roman east in a relatively short period, and tried to maintain relations with Rome. In 271 she claimed the imperial title for herself and for her son. In October of 270, a Palmyrene army of 70,000 invaded Egypt, and declared Zenobia queen of Egypt.

1.2. The Kingdom of Palmyra´s conquests in Asia Minor

Was a military campaign by the Kingdom of Palmyra leading to the conquest of eastern Anatolia from the Romans.

  • January 272: Afterward, in 271, Zabbai started the operations in Asia Minor, and was joined by Zabdas in the spring of that year. The Palmyrenes subdued Galatia, and occupied Ankara, marking the greatest extent of the Palmyrene expansion.

1.3. Reconquest of the Kingdom of Palmyra

Roman Emperor Aurelian reconquered the secessionist Kingdom of Palmyra.

  • July 272: Battle of Immae.
  • July 272: The day after the battle, Aurelian arrived in Antioch where he found the city almost deserted: in fact, most of the inhabitants, frightened by the arrival of the Roman army, had fled.
  • January 273: In his obedience, Aurelian reduced the province of Bithynia without encountering resistance and took Ancyra and Tyana.
  • January 273: Battle of Emesa.
  • January 273: In the meantime, the Emperor sent Probus to subjugate Egypt and headed towards Palmyra crossing the desert.
  • January 273: Emperor Aurelian subjected the cities of Apamea, Larissa and Arethusa, which spontaneously opened their gates to him.
  • January 274: Siege of Palmyra.

Disestablishment

  • January 274: Siege of Palmyra.