Queen Zenobia

Queen Zenobia
Hero information
Introduced in	Age of Empires: Return of Rome
Hero type	Cavalry
See also	Zenobia's Tower
Statistics
Hit points	135
Regeneration	30 hit points per minute
Melee attack	12
Attack bonus	+8 vs Mounted units +4 vs Elephant Archer +9 vs Achilles and Chieftain
Reload time	1.5
Melee armor	3
Pierce armor	0
Speed	2
Line of Sight	5
Ability	Cannot be converted

Queen Zenobia is a cavalry hero in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition - Return of Rome for Age of Empires. The unit represents the Queen of Palmyra that ruled over the Palmyrene Empire during the tumultuous era of the Third Century Crisis. She uses the same model as a Camel Rider.

Her unit doesn't make an appearance in any campaigns. Her portrait is used for the ruler of Nabatea in the scenario An Old Enemy in the Trajan campaign.

History

Queen Zenobia, also known as Septimia Zenobia, rose to prominence during the Palmyrene Empire in the 3rd century CE. She was born in Palmyra, a wealthy and strategically located city in present-day Syria.

Following the assassination of her husband, King Odaenathus, Zenobia assumed the regency on behalf of her young son. Displaying leadership skills and a sharp understanding of politics, she expanded the Palmyrene Empire, effectively ruling over vast territories that encompassed parts of modern-day Syria, Egypt, and even challenging Roman authority.

Zenobia was a capable military commander who successfully resisted Roman attempts to reconquer her territories for a time. She forged alliances with other regional powers, such as the Sassanid Empire, to strengthen her position and solidify Palmyra's independence. Zenobia's ambition and military campaigns threatened Roman authority in the east, and eventually brought her into direct conflict with the Roman Empire. Emperor Aurelian launched a campaign against Zenobia and defeated her forces. Zenobia was captured, and Palmyra was reabsorbed into the Roman Empire.

Despite her ultimate defeat, Zenobia left a lasting legacy as a symbol of resistance and independence. She challenged the dominance of Rome, defying gender norms of the time, and displaying remarkable leadership qualities.

Trivia

• Unlike other female heroes, like Joan of Arc, the unit doesn't have a feminine appearance.

Gallery

Zenobia's bust by Harriet Hosmer, in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Queen Zenobia's Last Look Upon Palmyra by Herbert Gustave Schmalz.

A contemporary coin showing Zenobia as Queen, with the goddess Juno on the reverse side.