WHO IS ZENOBIA?

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 3^rd 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.