Queen Zenobia was a powerful ruler of the Palmyrene Empire in the 3rd century AD. She is best known for her ambitious expansion of her territory, which included parts of modern-day Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. Zenobia declared herself empress and challenged the authority of the Roman Empire, leading her armies in several successful campaigns. Her reign was marked by cultural flourishing, as she promoted Hellenistic and Roman influences in her court. Zenobia's rule came to an end when she was defeated by the Roman Emperor Aurelian in 273 AD. After her capture, she was taken to Rome, where she became a symbol of resistance against Roman power.