Eastern Mediterranean 270: Palmyrene invasion of Egypt

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Political map of the Eastern Mediterranean on 13 Oct 270 (Crisis of the Third Century: Palmyrene invasion of Egypt), showing the following events: Zenobia at Marid; Claudius II’s Vandal War; Aurelian’s revolt; Palmyrene invasion of Egypt.

Claudius Gothicus died of the plague in 270 and was succeeded by his brother Quintillus, who was overthrown by the general Aurelian just a few months later. At the same time, an Egyptian officer revolted in favor of Zenobia, prompting the Palmyrene queen to come to his aid by invading Egypt.

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Main Events

270? Zenobia at Marid ▲

In c.270, when Zenobia conquered Arabia Petraea, the inland desert region of Dumatha asserted its independence. According to Arab legend, Zenobia attempted to storm the major local fortress at Marid but was forced to withdraw. in wikipedia

??–Aug 270 Claudius II’s Vandal War ▲

In 270 Claudius Gothicus traveled to Sirmium to fight the Hasdingi Vandals, who had invaded Pannonia. However, the emperor had contracted the plague during his recent war with the Goths and by August he was dead. By this point the Hasdingi were encroaching into the territory of the Iazyges, who seem to have merged with their fellow Sarmatians, the Roxolani. in wikipedia

Sep 270 Aurelian’s revolt ▲

Before Claudius Gothicus departed for Pannonia, he placed the general Aurelian in command in Thrace and Moesia to finish off the Goths. After Claudius’ death and the completion of this task, Aurelian marched to Sirmium, where he claimed to be Claudius’ chosen successor. The Danube legions immediately rallied to his support, declaring Aurelian emperor and denouncing the claim of Quintillus. in wikipedia

Oct 270 Palmyrene invasion of Egypt ▲

In 270 an officer named Timagenes rebelled in Egypt in favor of Zenobia, prompting the Palmyrene queen to dispatch her general Zabdas to his aid. Invading with a force of 70,000 Palmyrenes, Syrians, and others, Zabdas decisively defeated the 50,000 Egyptian defenders in battle. Victorious, Zabdas then departed, leaving a garrison of 5,000 in control of Egypt. in wikipedia

270 270s Al Jawf Egypt Iazyges Jordan maps October October 13 Palmyra Pannonia Roman civil wars Roman Empire Roxolani Vandals

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