Wikipedia:Today's featured article/requests/Zenobia

Zenobia

 * This is the archived discussion of the TFAR nomination for the article below. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as Wikipedia talk:Today's featured article/requests). Please do not modify this page. 

The result was: scheduled for Today's featured article/May 23, 2017 by Jimfbleak - talk to me?  14:27, 1 May 2017 (UTC)



Zenobia (c. 240 – c. 274) was a third-century queen of the Syria-based Palmyrene Empire. Her husband Odaenathus became king in 260, and elevated Palmyra to supreme power in the Near East by defeating the Sassanians and stabilizing the Roman East. After his assassination, she became the regent of her son Vaballathus and held de facto power throughout his reign. In 270, Zenobia launched an invasion which brought most of the Roman East under her sway and culminated with the annexation of Egypt. In reaction to Roman emperor Aurelian's campaign in 272, Zenobia declared Palmyra's secession from Rome, naming her son emperor and assuming the title of empress. The Romans were victorious after heavy fighting; the queen was besieged in her capital and captured by Aurelian, who exiled her to Rome where she spent the remainder of her life. Zenobia fostered a multicultural and intellectual environment in her court, which was open to scholars and philosophers. Many tales have been recorded about her fate. Her rise and fall have inspired historians, artists and novelists, and she is a national hero in Syria.
 * Most recent similar article(s): Djedkare Isesi was an ancient Egyptian ruler that was TFA on February 21, but there is little to no connection. There was a Syria related article in January 31 (Hasan al-Kharrat), but there is no connection other than the country.
 * Main editors:
 * Promoted: February 17, 2017
 * Reasons for nomination: Syria is often in the news for horrible reasons these days, so it is important to highlight the rich history of the country, with an article about a female Syrian leader, no less. Palmyra has also been in the news recently, so it is a good article for providing context to readers. Just missed the Syrian independence day by a few days, sadly. Perhaps Palmyra can get that slot next year...
 * Support as nominator. FunkMonk (talk) 21:51, 12 April 2017 (UTC)