Zarina

Zarina
Basilinna
Depiction of Zarina
Born	11 January 118 BCE Parilla, Makedon
Died	~Summer 65 BCE Unknown
Dynasty	Zelusian Dynasty
Religion	Hellenic polytheism

Zarina, known officially as Zarina of Makedon, was a Makedonian Basilinna (Queen) of the Makedonian Empire, reigning from 91-73 BCE as Queen-Regnant. She is best known for waging Zarina's Civil War from 94-91 BCE.

Zarina was born to a family of Makedonian nobles and was bethrothed to Kharaxos at the age of 17. The two married in 99 BCE shortly before Kharaxos was crowned King of Makedon. She bore him three children between 98-94 BCE, two sons named Thyreos and Nikomakhos, and a daughter named Melissa. Thyreos died in infancy of illness, leaving Nikomakhos the heir presumptive. Further tragedy struck the family when Kharaxos suffered fatal injuries after a riding accident, succumbing a month later to his wounds. Per Makedonian laws and traditions, Kharaxos's brother Menedemus and Zarina were expected to rule in place of Nikomakhos until the heir became of age. For reasons that are still unclear Zarina declined to become Menedemus's consort as was common practice. This act led to hostility between the two and Menedemus claimed Zarina was attempting to take the throne and control of Makedon for herself. Zarina refuted the claim and fled Parilla in the summer of 94 BCE after Menedemus attempted to have her and Nikomakhos killed.

Zarina fled at first to Galania then to Ruvelka, meeting with family members and friends to her former husband while Menedemus rallied forces in Makedon. The two sides clashed near Kunhegyes in the spring of 95 BCE, which ended in a decisive victory for Menedemus. Zarina retreated to the lands of the Bosrei and recruited from Makedonian colonists and soldiers in the garrison in Boreas. Naval forces loyal to Zarina then defeated Menedemus's navy in a battle in the Sanguine Sea, and the same year Zarina returned to Makedon with a loyal army and marched on Parilla. After defeating Menedemus, Zarina resumed the throne undisputed and ruled until Nikomakhos became of age. Zarina disappeared from history shotly after the ascension of her son to the throne, and although her death is alluded to in the summer of 65 BCE.

Zarina was the first of three queens that would at one point or another rule over the Makedonian Empire. Most details of her rule have been lost to history, but most contemporary accounts recorded her as an aggressive, tempered Queen who endeavored to secure the status of the Zelusian Dynasty within the royal court and across the realm. She claimed to be a direct descendent of Athena and ordered regular festivals to be held in honor of the Goddess of wisdom and warfare. She is known to have ordered naval forces south to Mansuriyyah during the interlude between the Seyhad Wars, and laid the foundations for what would eventually become the city of Aszód. She remains a popular figure among historical Syaran woman, and several monuments and statutes in her honor still remain standing; current Executive of Syara Anita Beleska has cited Zarina as a major influence in her political career.