In 3rd century Palmyra (modern-day Syria), the bold and brilliant queen Zenobia defied the Roman Empire and launched a wildly successful campaign of expansion, eventually ruling Arabia, Egypt, and parts of Asia Minor. But at her final defeat in 272, her story fragments into several curious and contradictory versions of “the end.” We take on this history “Choose Your Own Adventure” style –examining the sources that bring her story to life, and choosing which ending we believe is the best one.

Armed with a PhD in history, a well-thumbed deck of library cards, and a large bump of curiosity, author, speaker, and historian, guest Pamela D. Toler translates history for a popular audience. She goes beyond the familiar boundaries of American history to tell stories from other parts of the world as well as history from the other side of the battlefield, the gender line, or the color bar. Toler is the author of eight books of popular history for children and adults. Her newest book is Women Warriors: An Unexpected History.

Music featured in this episode included: “Incantations of Heka,” “Gloria Belli,” “Sacred Flame of Vesta,” “Dark Realms of Pluto," and “Hymn to Osiris” written and performed by Michael Levy, and “March of the Lizards” and “Gladiator Pitz” written and performed by Unstoppable Farmer.

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