Battle of Elasa
−160
Hebrew year: 3601 (ג׳תר״א)
Open on the interactive timeline
The Battle of Elasa was fought in −160 between Jewish rebels led by Judas Maccabeus and Seleucid forces commanded by Bacchides under King Demetrius I Soter.
According to 1 Maccabees 9, Judas faced a much larger Seleucid army after many of his soldiers abandoned the campaign. Despite being heavily outnumbered, he refused to retreat and was killed during the battle.
His death marked a major setback for the Maccabean Revolt, ending the leadership of its most celebrated military commander. His brother Jonathan subsequently assumed leadership of the resistance.
The battle is documented primarily through 1 Maccabees and Josephus.
- Hebrew year
- 3601 (ג׳תר״א)
- Place
- Elasa
- Category
- Wars & battles
- Part of
- Hellenistic Period
At the same time
Judah Maccabee (Commander)−190 – −160
Jonathan Apphus (High Priest)−160 – −142- Yose ben Yoezer & Yose ben Yochanan−200 – −150
