VABALATHUS, AD 271-272
with Aurelian
Æ antoninianus S-3292, RIC-381-C1. Obverse : Radiate and cuirassed bust of Aurelian right, with "IMP C AVRELIANVS AVG" around. Reverse : Laureate draped and cuirassed bust of Vabalathus right, with "VABALATHVS V C R IM D R" around. A nice coin for the type. 19.3 x 19.8 mm. 3.79 gram ...... XF $155.00
Lucius Julius Aurelius Septimius Vabalathus Athenodorus was the son of the Palmyran king Odenathus and his wife Zenobia. In AD 266 Odeneathus was murdered and Zenobia took full control, using her son Vabalathus as a figurehead. He was granted the title "DUX ROMANORUM" in AD 166, indicating a degree of acceptance and cooperation with Rome. Vabalathus and Zenobia rebelled in AD 271 and were defeated by Aurelian in AD 272. Vabalathus and Zenobia were taken to Rome where they lived in great comfort.