Antiochus IV

Antiochus IV (Antiochus Epiphanes) , d. 163 BC, king of Syria (175 BC-163 BC), son of Antiochus III and successor of his brother Seleucus IV. His nephew (later Demetrius I) was held as a hostage in Rome, although still claiming the throne. Antiochus is best known for his attempt to Hellenize Judaea and extirpate Judaism—a policy that instigated the rebellion of the Maccabees . Antiochus invaded Egypt, which was torn by strife between Ptolemy VI and his brother (later Ptolemy VII), and would probably have conquered that region if the Romans had not intervened in his siege of Alexandria (168). Antiochus was briefly succeeded by his son, Antiochus V, a boy king who was overthrown by Demetrius I.

Antiochus Eight Seleucid kings, notably Antiochus III and Antiochus IV. Antiochus III (known as ‘Antiochus the Great’) (c.242–187 BC) reigned from 223 to 187 BC. He restored and expanded the Seleucid empire, regaining the vassal kingdoms of Parthia and Bactria and conquering Armenia, Syria, and Palestine. When he invaded Europe he came into conflict with the Romans, who defeated him on land and sea and severely limited his power. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (c.215–163 BC), son of Antiochus III, reigned from 175 to 163 BC. His firm control of Judaea and his attempt to Hellenize the Jews resulted in the revival of Jewish nationalism and the Maccabean revolt.

Antiochus Of the thirteen Seleucid kings of this name, the best-known is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled from 175 to 164 BCE. His efforts to Hellenize his dominions were resisted by Jews under the Maccabees (1 Macc. 1: 10, 20; 2: 15 ff.). The book of Daniel reached its final form at this time, and the ‘abomination’ in 12: 11 refers to the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus.