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Decorations: Zenobia

The chief fame and historical interest of this city of the desert, are derived from the genius and heroism of Zenobia, whose dominions extended from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean, but who fixed her residence at Palmyra in the third century. Her wealth was enormous, and in imitation of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, she affected great splendour in her style of living and attire, and drank her wine out of cups of gold, richly carved and adorned with gems. She was conquered and taken prisoner by the Emperor Aurelian, and the Queen of the East was conducted in triumph through Rome with all the costly spoils taken from her, as an Egyptian queen, Arsinoe, once before had appeared in the triumphal procession of the dictator Caesar. Zenobia walked in the procession before her own sumptuous chariot, attired in her diadem and royal robes blazing with jewels, her eyes fixed on the ground, and her delicate form drooping under the weight of her golden fetters, which were so heavy that two slaves were obliged to assist in supporting them on either side. The precious stones of the ancient Persians were profusely employed in decoration. Over the royal bed of the kings was the golden vine, the work of Theodore of Samos, where the grapes were imitated by means of jewels, each of enormous value. At the interment of the royal rulers, were placed inside the tomb, together with the gold coffin, a number of objects, designed apparently for the king's use in the other world, such as rich cloaks and tunics, purple robes, collars of gold, ear-rings set with gems, etc. The sheaths and handles of the swords and daggers of the Persian nobles were generally of gold, and sometimes studded with gems. Among these the pearl held the first place. The person of an ancient King of Persia was adorned with golden ornaments. He had ear-rings of gold in his ears, often inlaid with jewels, he wore golden bracelets on his wrists, and he had a chain or collar of gold about his neck. In his girdle, which was also of gold, he carried a short sword, the sheath of which was formed of a single precious stone.