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Apollonius Taos was a governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd century BCE. He is primarily known for his defection to Demetrius II Nicator and his subsequent military confrontation with Jonathan Apphus

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, Jonathan and his brother Simon 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. 1 Maccabees 10:69–89.