Zenobia brought before Aurelian. A.R.1021.

This is one of a group of drawings by British artist and book illustrator Edward Francis Burney, depicting scenes from Greek and Roman history and mythology. This composition was used for a headpiece in 'Le Souvenir, A Pocket Remembrancer', a memorandum book printed by J Cary for Godwin in 1807, on the page for 1st November. After being captured by Emperor Aurelian's forces, Zenobia is brought before him (also see WAG 7753). There are varying accounts as to what happened to Zenobia after her capture. Some claim that she drowned in the Bosphorus while being taken to Rome. Others state that she was acquitted after trial and went on to marry a Roman. Others still say that she was paraded through Rome in gold chains and finery, as a way for Aurelian to show his victory.