Category:Bacchides (subject)
Bacchides / Βακχίδης was a general of the Seleucid Army under king Demetrius I Soter.
Overview
As a general of the Seleucid army under Demetrius I Soter, Bacchides led three major military campaigns in Judea against the Maccabees.
Demetrius sent him the first time in 161 BCE to Judea with a large army, in order to support the Jewish High Priest Alcimus and secure his power in Jerusalem against Judas Maccabeus. After Bacchides completed his mission, he returned to the king. However, another Syrian army under Nicanor suffered defeat at the hands of Judas Maccabeus, forcing Bacchides to return to Judea. This time he achieved full victory. Judas died in battle and the Maccabees, now under the leadership of Jonathan Maccabeus, fled beyond the Jordan. Bacchides fortified the country and after the death of Alcimus returned to the king. Bacchides' third campaign against the Maccabees was inconclusive and ended with a treaty of peace with Jonathan.
Bacchides in ancient sources
- Bacchides (sources) -- survey of ancient sources
References
- Bacchides / Uriel Rappaport / In: The Anchor Bible Dictionary (1992 Freedman), dictionary, 1:566-567
External links
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