WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Palmyrene Empire The Palmyrene Empire (260 - 273) was a splinter empire that broke off the Roman Empire during the Crisis of the Third Century. It encompassed the Roman provinces of Syria, Palestine, Egypt and large parts of Asia Minor.
Septimius Odaenathus decided to use the substantial legions he had at his disposal among them the famed Legio XII Fulminata - to defend his provinces, rather than intervene in the struggles for Rome.
The Palmyrene Empire was ruled by Queen Zenobia for her infant son Vaballathus. The capital of the short-lived empire was the city of Palmyra.
Crisis of the Third Century
Establishment of the Empire
Despite a number of crises, the Roman Empire had stood firm since its inception under Augustus. But after emperor Alexander Severus was murdered by soldiers in 235, Roman legions were defeated in a campaign against Sassanid Persia, and the empire fell apart. General after general squabbled over control of the empire, the frontiers were neglected and subjected to frequent raids by Carpians, Goths, Vandals and Alamanni, and outright attacks from aggressive Sassanids in the east.
Septimius Odaenathus was assassinated and his son Vabalathus was made king (rex consul imperator dux Romanorum, "illustrious King of Kings" and corrector totius orientis) of the Palmyrene Empire.
Finally, by 258, the attacks were coming from within, when the Empire broke up in to three separate competing states. The Roman provinces of Gaul, Britain and Hispania broke off to form the Gallic Empire.
Since Rome was unable to protect the eastern provinces against the Sassanids, then-governor
The real power behind the throne was his mother Zenobia. With the legions at her disposal, and aided by the continuing struggle for Rome, Zenobia conquered Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Asia Minor and Lebanon. She even adopted the title of Augustus for her son and herself.
Reconquest of Aurelian In 270, Aurelian had become emperor, perhaps the first capable emperor in 30 years. After defeating the Alamanni, who were threatening to invade Italy, Aurelian turned his attention to the lost eastern provinces - the Palmyrene Empire. Asia Minor was recovered easily; every city but Byzantium and Tyana surrendered to him with little resistance. The fall of Tyana lent itself to a legend; Aurelian to that point had destroyed every city that resisted him, but he spared Tyana after having a vision of the great philosopher Apollonius of Tyana, whom he respected greatly, in a dream. Apollonius implored him, stating: "Aurelian, if you desire to rule, abstain from the blood of the innocent! Aurelian, if you will conquer, be merciful!" Whatever the reason,
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WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD Aurelian spared Tyana. It paid off; many more cities submitted to him upon seeing that the emperor would not exact revenge upon them. Aurelian defeated Queen Zenobia in the Battle of Immae and again, decisively, in the Battle of Emesa. Within six months, his armies stood at the gates of Palmyra, which surrendered when Zenobia tried to flee to the Sassanid Empire. The "Palmyrene Empire" was no more.
After a brief clash with the Persians and another in Egypt against usurper Firmus, Aurelian returned to Palmyra in 273 when it rebelled again. This time, Aurelian allowed his soldiers to sack the city, and Palmyra never recovered from this. He was known as Parthicus Maximus and Restitutor Orientis ("Restorer of the East"). Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyrene_Empire
PERSONALITIES Odaenathus His full name was Lucius Septimius Odainath. His gentilicium Septimius shows that his family received the Roman citizenship under an emperor of the Severan dynasty, and thus it was the leading family in Palmyra since the 190s. He was the son of Lucius Septimius Herod (Hairan), the "senator and chief of Tadmor", the son of Vaballathus (Wahballath), the son of Nasor. The year when Odaenathus became chief of Palmyra is not known, but already in an inscription dated 258 he is styled "the illustrious consul our lord" (N.S.I. No. 126). In his wife, the
renowned Zenobia, he found an able supporter of his policy. The defeat and captivity of the emperor Valerian in 260 left the eastern provinces largely at the mercy of the Persians; the prospect of Persian supremacy was not one which Palmyra or its ruler had any reason to desire. At first, it seems, Odaenathus attempted to propitiate the Persian monarch Shapur I; but when his gifts were contemptuously rejected (Petr. Patricius, 10) he decided to throw in his lot with the cause of Rome. The neutrality which had made Palmyra's fortune was abandoned for an active military policy which, while it added to Odaenathus's fame, in a short time brought his native city to its ruin. He fell upon the victorious Persians returning home after the sack of Antioch, and before they could cross the Euphrates inflicted upon them a considerable defeat. Then, when two usurping emperors were proclaimed in the East (261), Odaenathus took the side of Gallienus the son and successor of Valerian, attacked and put to death the usurper Quietus at Emesa (modern Homs) and was rewarded for his loyalty by the grant of an exceptional position (262). He may have assumed the title of king before; but he now became totius Orientis imperator, not indeed joint-ruler, nor Augustus, but independent lieutenant of the emperor for the East (Mommsen, Provinces, ii. p. 103). In a series of rapid and successful campaigns, during which he left Palmyra under the charge of Septimius Worod his deputy (N.S.I. Nos. 127129), he crossed the Euphrates and relieved Edessa, recovered Nisibis and Carrhae (modern Harran). He even took the offensive against the power of Persia, and twice invested the Persian capital Ctesiphon itself; probably also he brought back Armenia into the Empire. These successes restored the Roman rule in the East; and Gallienus did not disdain to hold a triumph with the captives and trophies which Odaenathus had won (264). Odaenathus celebrated his victories in the East sharing with his eldest son Hairan (Herodes) the eastern title "king of kings".
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WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD While observing all due formalities towards his overlord, there can be little doubt that Odaenathus aimed at forging an independent empire; but during his lifetime no breach with Rome occurred. He was about to start for Cappadocia against the Goths when he was assassinated, together with Hairan, by his nephew Maeonius. There is no reason to suppose that this deed of violence was instigated from Rome. According to Historia Augusta, Maeonius killed Odaenathus and his son Hairan during a celebration, because of a conspiracy organized by Zenobia, second wife of Odaenathus, who wanted their son Vaballathus to succeed Odaenathus instead of Hairan (who was the son of Odaenathus by another woman). According to Gibbon, the murder was revenge for a short confinement imposed by Odaenathus to Maeonius for being unrespectful. After his death (266-267), Zenobia succeeded to his position and practically governed Palmyra on behalf of the young Vaballathus.
Zenobia conquered new territories and increased the Palmyrene Empire in the memory of her husband and as a legacy to her son. Her stated goal was to protect the Eastern Roman Empire from the Sassanid Empire, for the peace of Rome, however, her efforts significantly increased the power of her throne. In 269, Zenobia, her army, and the Palmyrene General Zabdas violently conquered Egypt with help from their Egyptian ally, Timagenes, and his army. The Roman prefect of Egypt, Tenagino Probus and his forces, tried to expel them from Egypt, but Zenobia's forces captured and beheaded Probus. She then proclaimed herself Queen of Egypt. After these initial forays, Zenobia became known as a "Warrior Queen". In leading her army, she displayed significant prowess: she was an able horse rider and would walk three or four miles with her foot soldiers.
Zenobia Zenobia married King of Palmyra Septimius Odaenathus by 258 as his second wife. She had a stepson Hairan, a son from Odaenathus’ first marriage. As in 258, there is an inscription ‘the illustrious consul our lord’ at Palmyra, dedicated to Odaenathus who was chief of Palmyra, by Zenobia, who was a supporter of his. Around 266, Zenobia and Odaenathus had a son, his second child, Lucius Iulius Aurelius Septimius Vaballathus Athenodorus. Her son Vaballathus (Latin from Arabic, Wahballa-t "Gift of the Goddess") inherited the name of Odaenathus’ paternal grandfather. In 267, Zenobia’s husband and stepson were assassinated. The titled heir, Vaballathus, was only a year old, so his mother succeeded her husband and ruled Palmyra. Zenobia bestowed upon herself and her son the honorific titles of Augusta and Augustus.
Zenobia with her large army made expeditions and conquered Anatolia as far as Ancyra or Ankara and Chalcedon, then to Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. In her short lived empire, Zenobia took the vital trade routes in these areas from the
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WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD Romans. Roman Emperor Aurelian, who was at that time campaigning with his forces in the Gallic Empire, probably did recognise the authority of Zenobia and Vaballathus. However this relationship began to degenerate when Aurelian began a military campaign to reunite the Roman Empire in 272-273. Aurelian and his forces left the Gallic Empire and arrived in Syria. The forces of Aurelian and Zenobia met and fought near Antioch. After a crushing defeat, the remaining Palmyrenes briefly fled into Antioch and into Emesa. Zenobia was unable to remove her treasury at Emesa before Aurelian successfully entered and besieged Emesa. Zenobia and her son escaped from Emesa on camel back with help from the Sassanids, but they were captured on the Euphrates River by Aurelian’s horsemen. Zenobia’s short lived Egyptian kingdom and the Palmyrene Empire had ended. The remaining Palmyrenes who refused to surrender were captured by Aurelian and were executed on Aurelian’s orders. Among those who were executed was Zenobia's chief counselor and Greek sophist, Cassius Longinus. Zenobia and Vaballathus were taken as hostages to Rome by Aurelian. Vaballathus is presumed to have died on his way to Rome. In 274, Zenobia appeared in golden chains in Aurelian’s military triumph parade in Rome. Aurelian, out of clemency, impressed by her beauty and dignity, freed Zenobia. Aurelian granted her an elegant villa in Tibur (modern Tivoli, Italy). She lived in luxury and she became a prominent philosopher, socialite and Roman matron. Zenobia married a Roman governor and senator whose name is unknown. They had several daughters, whose names are also unknown, but who are known to have married into Roman noble families. There is a claim, after Aurelian’s defeat Zenobia committed suicide, however, this is not likely. She would have further descendants surviving in the 4th century and 5th century.
Tyria Nepotilla Odaenathiania contains the names of her first husband Septimius Odaenathus. He probably was named in the honor of Zenobia's first husband. (After the deaths of Odaenathus and his sons, Odaenathus had no descendants). Another possible descendant of Zenobia is Saint Zenobius of Florence, a Christian bishop who lived in the 5th century.
SPECIAL RULES SUPERIOR CAVALRY Superior cavalry may re-roll missed to hit rolls on the first round of combat when they charge or counter charge CATAPHRACT May count a rank bonus up to a maximum of +2. If they wheel more than 1” during the Movement phase, Cataphracts may only move at their normal Movement rate. SPECIAL DEPLOYMENT st May make a free march move prior to the 1 turn FEIGNED FLIGHT When fleeing or firing and fleeing as a charge reaction the unit automatically rallies at the end of its flee move, before any charging unit makes contact. VETERANS May reroll once all to-hit rolls per battle. HORSE BOW Range 16” Str 3, -1 to enemy saves
The evidence of a descendant of Zenobia can be confirmed by an inscription found in Rome. The inscription Lucius Septimia Patavinia Balbilla Games Workshop, the Games Workshop logo, Warhammer, Warhammer Historical Wargames and the Warhammer Historical Wargameslogo are trademarks of Games Workshop, Ltd
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WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD CAVALRY
ARMY COMPOSITION
1+ CATAPHRACTS
CHARACTERS: Up to 25% CAVALRY: At least 15% and up to 50% INFANTRY: At least 25% and up to 8 5% SPECIAL: Up to 33%
Cataphract
M 8
WS 4
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 8
Equipment: Heavy armour, kontos, horse May have, Barding (+4), Buckler (+1)
CHARACTERS
Special Rules: Cataphracts, Superior Cavalry Palmyrans were almost the last western nation to make heavy use of true Cataphract, noble warriors in all enclosing armour, riding similarly armoured horses, and armed with Kontos and side arm.
0-1 GENERAL M 8
General
WS 4
BS 5
S 3
T 4
W 3
I 5
A 2
Ld 9
Pts 140
HORSE ARCHER
Equipment: Horse, hand weapon May have light armour (+2), heavy armour (+3). Horse (free) which may have barding (+4) Kontos (+1) . May upgrade to Ld10 for +25 pts
Archer Scout
HERO M 8
WS 4
BS 5
S 3
T 4
W 2
I 5
A 2
Ld 8
Pts 80
T 3 3
W 1 1
I 3 3
A 1 1
Ld 7 8
0-1 WARBANNER BS 4
M 6
WS 3
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 7
Pts 16
Equipment: Short bow, throwing spear, Shield S 3
T 4
W 2
I 4
A 2
Ld 8
Pts 85
Special Rules: Camels Palmyrans were often associated with desert nomadic Arabs who would have supplied Camel riding allies for Palmyra.
Hand weapon Equipment: May have light armour (+2), heavy armour (+3). Horse (free) which may have barding (+4) Special Rules: Army Standard
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Pts 16 19
CAMEL SCOUTS Scout
Warbanner
S 3 3
Palmyrans used several types of horse archers, few had the skilled of true nomads like the Parthians, but some were noted as being well equipped and skilled scouts.
May be upgraded to Army General (+25)
WS 4
BS 3 3
Special Rules: Light Cavalry, Scouts: Special Deployment and Feigned Flight
Hand weapon Equipment: May have light armour (+2), heavy armour (+3). Horse (free) which may have barding (+4) Kontos (+1) .
M 8
WS 3 3
Equipment: Horse bow, hand weapon, horse May have shield (+1), throwing spear (+1),scouts may have light armour (+2)
Special Rules: Army General
Noble
M 8 8
5
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Pts 23
WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD Palmyrans generals took command of the Legions left in the east while roman emperors squabbled over Rome; these were loyal until the arrival of Aurelian. Some of these legions would be experienced veterans from the battles against the Sassanids.
INFANTRY ARCHERS Archers
M 4
WS 3
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 7
Pts 6
Equipment: Bow, hand weapon May have buckler (+1) 2 units may have light armour (+2) Any unit without light armour may be skirmishers (upgrade to Move 5) (free) Palmyrans infantry were usually archers who were held in fairly high regard, as a wealthy trading city it is likely that Palmyra would have been able to supply at least some of its troops well.
AUXILIARIES Auxilia
M 4
WS 3
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 7
Pts 9
Equipment: Large shield, Javelins, throwing spear May have thrusting spear instead of throwing spear (free) May have Light Armour (+2) May be light infantry (free) may be Drilled (+1)
0-1 CATAPHRACT CAMEL SPEARMEN Spearmen
M 4
Cataphract
WS 3
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 7
Pts 6
Equipment: Javelins, hand weapon, shield May have Throwing or thrusting Spear (+1) and light armour (+2) Any unit without light armour may be skirmishers (upgrade to move 5) (free)
M 6
WS 3
BS 3
S 3
T 3
W 1
I 3
A 1
Ld 8
Equipment: Camel, heavy armour, kontos May have barding (+4) Special Rules: Camels, Cataphracts
BALISTAE (as per Rulebook) SCORPIOS (as per Rulebook)
SPECIAL LEGIONARIES Raw Steady Veteran
M 4 4 4
WS 3 4 4
BS 3 3 3
S 3 3 3
T 3 3 4
W 1 1 1
I 3 4 4
A 1 1 1
Ld 7 7 8
Pts 10 12 15
Equipment: Large shield, pilum, hand weapon . May have Light Armour(+2) Heavy Armour (+3) Javelins (+1) be Stubborn (+3) Drilled (+1)
Instead of a leader Legion units have Centurions who cost 10 points and add 1 to the units Ld. Every second unit may be Lanciarrii who substitute throwing spears for pilums and are light infantry. 0 -1 unit may be Palestinian clubmen who have 2-handed weapons instead of pilum (+1) Special Rules: Veterans are Veterans
BATTLES Battle of Immae (272 (272AD) AD) The Battle of Immae was fought in 272 between the Roman army of Emperor Aurelian and the armies of Palmyrene Empire, whose leader, Queen Zenobia was perceived as a threat by Rome. The Palmyrene heavy cavalry, the clibanarii, was superior to the Roman cavalry. Thus, Aurelian ordered his infantry to withdraw, and ordered his cavalry to pretend to flee when the clibanarii charged. Soon, the clibanarii, weighed down by their heavy armour, became exhausted from pursuing the light Roman cavalry. This was
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Pts 22
WAB FORUM ARMIES PALMYRENE EMPIRE 260 – 273 AD when the Romans turned about and won the Battle of Immae.
Euphrates. Aurelian showed her mercy, and Zenobia was not executed.
After Aurelian won the battle, Zenobia and her general Zabdas entered in Antioch, bringing a man resembling Aurelian in chains. During the night, the Palmyrene fled the city, leaving a small unit on a close hill, which was later defeated by an Aurelian unit adopting the testudo formation.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Emesa
REFERENCE WORKS
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Immae
Battle of Emesa (272 (272AD) AD)
The Battle of Emesa was fought in 272 between Roman and Palmyran forces. The Romans were led by Emperor Aurelian, while the Palmyrans were led by Queen Zenobia and her general Zabdas. Aurelian had started a campaign to reconquer the secessionist Palmyrene Empire, led by Vaballathus and his mother Queen Zenobia. He had come to the East willing to show his mercy to the Roman peoples of the area, and had defeated Zenobia at the battle of Immae, near Antioch. Zenobia and her general Zabdas fled to Emesa. Roman and Palmyrene forces clashed in the plain in front of the city. As at Immae, the Palmyrene heavy cavalry (the clibanarii) was superior to the Roman equivalent. However, the clibanarii dispersed in the pursuit of the Roman cavalry, and were massacred by the Roman infantry. According to Zosimus, the Palestinian units, with their clubs, slaughtered the armoured Palmyrene horsemen. Zenobia retreated into Emesa, but later escaped to Palmyra, having failed to recover the treasure from Emesa. While Aurelian attacked and conquered Palmyra, Zenobia flew to Persia, but was captured when she had reached the
INTERNET LINKS WAB Forum http://wabforum.co.uk
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmyrene_Empire http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenobia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odaenathus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurelian
Others http://www.roman-emperors.org/zenobia.htm
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SPECIAL THANKS Many thanks to WAB Forum members for providing the template and their great suppor
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