Hi there, you're listening to the Hellenistic Age podcast.

Episode 108, the Seleucid Empire, the Maccaban Revolt In 168, the army of Antiochus IV was at the gates of Jerusalem.

Fresh from his war in Egypt, the king was filled with rage as he learned of the conflict brewing inside of the city,

and would hand out a terrible punishment, violating its famed temple and unleashing a wave of

persecution that would be immortalized by Jewish writers as the actions of a monster and a madman.

Why did this come to pass?

Prior to 168, relations between the Salucid Crown and the Jews

were largely amicable. Following his victory at the Battle of Panium in 200, Antiochus III was

granted mastery over Koyili Syria, in part thanks to the high priest Simon II, who helped

organize a change of allegiance towards the Salucid cause.

For their trouble, Jerusalem and its countryside suffered widespread damage thanks to Ptolemaic counterattack.

So, the end of the war in 195 allowed for a moment's respite for those caught in the crossfire.

As a reward for their loyalty in the conflict,

Jasefus reports that Antiochus ordered a royal decree on behalf of Jerusalem, which contained the

following clauses. The collateral damage inflicted upon the city and its temple will be restored

with the assistance of the crown in the form of cash payments, supplies, and tax exemptions

on construction materials to ensure that the daily sacrifices would continue. Next, he announced

that the Jews would be allowed to live under their traditional laws, while the Garusia,

the priests, and other temple officials would be exempt from the poll tax. Then, to restore the city's population,

many of whom were scattered or exiled, he granted the rest of the Jerusalemites three years

free taxation, permanently reduced their annual tribute by one-third, and lastly declared the freedom

of the Jews who were enslaved during the fighting.

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