A novel based on the conflict between Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, and the Roman Emperor, Aurelianus, in the third century A.D.

From Kirkus Review, September 27, 1956: "Some speculative digging into the past turns up the contest between Aurelian, a Balkan who out-Romans the Romans and rises from the ranks to become Emperor, and Zenobia, of Saracen strain, whose determination clashes with Rome that hers will not be a vassal state. An early meeting sparks the conflict and as Aurelian becomes the idol of his soldiers she makes use of her abilities -- feminine and otherwise -- to build up power as regent for her son. Aurelian's attempts to conciliate and to avoid war in the East do not avail when, thinking she has killed her husband, he remains faithful to his wife and turns down her offer of marital alliance, she forces him to pursue her as she draws his troops inland, across the desert, and repulses his attacks on Palmyra by bold, ingenious stratagems adapted from the philosopher, Longinius', teachings. Treachery shows him how to cut off the water supply, how to catch Zenobia on her flight to ally herself with the Persians and she becomes his captive -- to turn his triumph in Rome to her own advantage.... and to see him die before his dreams for Rome can come true. The flesh on these bones quivers and trembles quite a bit -- but the soldiers, politics, incidental scenes are often vigorous. Not for studious historian."