Category:Heliodorus (subject)

Heliodorus (2nd century BCE) was a minister of the Seleucid King Seleucus IV Philopator.

Biography

As attested by the Heliodorus Stele', King Seleucus appointed Heliodorus as overseer of the sanctuaries in the Syro-Phoenician region. His attempt to take money from the treasure of the Temple of Jerusalem miserably failed and was attributed in Jewish sources to the intervention of divine forces.

Heliodorus in ancient sources

Heliodorus is mentioned in a 2nd century BCE stele and in the Second Book of Maccabees, and alluded in the book of Daniel.

The Heliodorus Stele

The Heliodorus stele preserves the letter of appointment by King Seleucus IV (187-175 BCE) to Heliodorus, as overseer of the sanctuaries within the Seleucid province of Koile-Syria and Phoinike, including the Land of Israel. The king's letter is introduced by two short notes, dating from the late summer 178 BCE, transmitting the directives of the King from Heliodorus to his subordinates. The Greek inscription, discovered in northern Israel in the 1960s and first displayed in 2007, is now preserved at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Dorymenes to Diophanes greetings: The copy of the letter given us by Heliodorus who is in charge of the affairs is enclosed. You will do well therefore if you take care that everything is carried out according to the instructions. Year 134, 22 of the month of Gorpiaius [=August 178 BCE]

Heliodorus to Dorymenes his brother greetings:The copy of the order given us by the king concerning Olympiodorus is placed below. You will do well therefore if you follow the instructions. Year 134, 20(?) of the month of Gorpiaius [=August 178 BCE]

King Seleucus to Heliodorus his brother greetings: Taking the utmost consideration for the safety of our subjects, and thinking it to be of the greatest good for the affairs in our realm when those living in our kingdom manage their lives without fear, and at the same time realizing that nothing can enjoy a fitting prosperity without the good will of the gods, we have given orders from the outset that the sanctuaries founded in the other satrapies receive the traditional honors with the care befitting them. But since the affairs in Koile-Syria and Phoinike stand in need of the appointment of someone to take care of these (i.e. sanctuaries)... Olympiodorus... [trans. Hannah Cotton-Paltiel and Michael Woerrle]

=Second Book of Maccabees

Book of Daniel

Heliodorus in Scholarship

Heliodorus in Fiction

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