Battle of Beth Zur
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Battle of Beth Zur | |||||||
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Part of the Maccabean Revolt | |||||||
Ruins of Beth Zur, early 20th century |
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Belligerents | |||||||
Maccabean rebels | Seleucid army | ||||||
Commanders | |||||||
Judas Maccabeus | Lysias | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
10000 | 100,000 Infantry, 5,000 Cavalry, 300 Chariots and 22 War elephants | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
Unknown | At least 5000 |
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The Battle of Beth Zur was fought between the Maccabees led by Judas Maccabeus and a Seleucid Greek army led by Viceroy Lysias in 164 B.C.E. Maccabeus won the battle, and was able to recapture Jerusalem soon after. The Jews did not fight in open terrain; they used guerrilla and hit and run tactics to slowly beat back the Seleucid army and eventually routing it.