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| {{Short description|Governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire}} | |||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| | name = Apollonius Taos | | name = Apollonius Taos | ||
Revision as of 06:15, 12 January 2025
Governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire| Apollonius Taos | |
|---|---|
| Era | 2nd century BCE |
| Known for | Governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire; defection to Demetrius II Nicator; military conflict with Jonathan Maccabeus |
Apollonius Taos was a governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd century BCE.
Background
Apollonius served as governor under Alexander Balas, who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 150 to 145 BCE. During this period, the empire faced internal strife and external threats, leading to shifting allegiances among its officials.
Defection to Demetrius II
In 147 BCE, while Alexander Balas was addressing northern invasions, Apollonius Taos defected to Demetrius II Nicator. This defection was supported by the Hellenized Philistine cities, which aligned with Apollonius against Alexander. Apollonius challenged Jonathan Maccabeus, a Jewish leader and ally of Alexander, to battle, suggesting that the Jews might leave the mountains and venture into the plain.
Conflict with Jonathan Maccabeus
In response, the Maccabean Jonathan Apphus and his brother Simon Thassi led a force of 10,000 men against Apollonius's forces stationed in Jaffa. The city, unprepared for an attack, opened its gates to them out of fear. Apollonius then received reinforcements from Azotus and confronted Jonathan with 3,000 men, relying on his superior cavalry. Despite being outnumbered, Jonathan's forces successfully resisted and ultimately defeated Apollonius's army. Jonathan pursued the fleeing forces to Azotus, capturing and burning the city along with the temple of Dagon. In reward for his victory, Alexander Balas granted Jonathan the city of Ekron with its surrounding territory.
References
- 1 Maccabees 10:69–89.