Until my father-in-law
Russ Wallace started talking about writing a book I had never even heard about
the true historical figure Zenobia. I did the survey on our blog and found
many others also had never heard of her. Take the survey at
http://geodepress.blogspot.com/
My husband, Jason
Wallace, loves to describe the book as, “Zenobia is the most powerful
woman you've never heard of.”
Why is this, I
wondered? In my opinion why she has been unknown until now is because the
victors are the ones who write the history books. Rome wanted to silence the
Warrior Queen. They certainly didn't want anyone else to know how
close she came to actually overthrowing Rome.
Some accounts
portray her as a power hungry woman who ruined a beautiful part of the country.
It’s true if you visit Palmyra, Syria today you will find massive structures
that are now rubble, and she did bring her army against Rome which caused
temples and buildings to be destroyed. I have even heard some history accounts
say she killed her own husband to become Queen and rule. Another account says
in the end she turns on those close to her just to save herself.
Is there another side?
We have to read between the lines and try to figure out what may have really
happened. Russ Wallace did, he asked himself many questions to get into the
mind and thoughts of what inspired her. Based off of true historical accounts
we know she did become Queen and she was a powerful warrior who fought
alongside her troops. We also know she lost, because we've all heard
of Rome but not Zenobia.
I believe her
motivation wasn't about power as much as it was about justice. There
are many events in Zenobia –
Birth of a Legend, the historical fiction novel Russ Wallace wrote, that
show her experiencing injustice.
In beginning of
the novel, we learn how she should have been put to death at birth just because
she was a girl. She was raised pretending to be a boy. You can only imagine
this experience would teach her life is not fair. You have two choices when you
face the cruelty of life, you either become a victim or you become an advocate
to fight against injustice. Zenobia decided to fight.
When her true
identity was revealed the tribe decides to spare her life because she shows
great potential to be a leader and is skilled in archery.
Most historians agree
she was extremely smart. She spoke many languages and surrounded herself with
scholars. What would inspire a woman in the 3rd century to be
educated and trained like a man? Wallace answers those questions by writing her
as having a strong personality. She was curious as a girl and in her travels
she saw many things she wanted to change.
As she grows up, most
women of her time get married off as trading leverage but not her, instead she
was trained as a warrior, became proficient in archery, and educated
in Egypt. One of her professors, Longinus, was known in Alexandria, Egypt as a
great thinker. His influence plays a major part in her life and in the future it’s
documented that he becomes her top adviser.
A highly
intelligent woman, who is as skilled as a man, what would lead her to a life of
war and bloodshed? Wallace answers this in book two, Zenobia – Challenging a Legend.
Which will soon be released and we can read what motivates her into action.
Most of book two will take place in Alexandria, Egypt where she is focusing on
her education. Until some highly affluence men challenge her and
she has to battle against injustice. Not all of what Wallace portrays may have
actually happened, but many of the influencing factors are realistic.
We may not know
all the facts but we can think about what would motivate us to battle against
the greatest empire. Is money and power really a great motivator to do
something so completely dangerous? I think not, our hearts would need to be
fully behind such a daring act. She was a great leader in her time and I
believe the love for her people made her stand up against the injustices.
She didn't want to live in fear. She wanted the same world we all
dream about; a place where everyone is equal and your thoughts and ideas
matter.
Today our world
is experiencing so much sadness and injustice, especially in Zenobia’s home
country of Syria. A novel that not only entertains and educates us, but
motivates us into action is just what we need.
I think it’s
time for everyone to learn about this great historical figure. Book one will
take you on an adventures through the Syrian Desert, Ancient Tadmor (which is
Palmyra, Syria today), the Great Pyramids of Giza, and Alexandria, Egypt.
You'll experience the excitement of lion attacks, archery, horse
races, and education with the greatest philosophers.
Wallace dedicated his
first book to, “For oppressed girls and women everywhere. Hang on to your
dreams and know that a better world is coming.” I think this book series is not
only for strong women everywhere but TO THOSE WHO BATTLE FOR
JUSTICE.
