1 marzo 161 anni a. C. - Battle of Adasa

Descrizione:

The Battle of Adasa in 161 BC marked a significant event during the Maccabean revolt, with the Jewish rebels led by Judas Maccabeus achieving a decisive victory over the Seleucid forces under Nicanor. Here's a breakdown of the battle and its aftermath:

Background:

Nicanor, appointed as the military governor of Judea by King Demetrius I Soter, aimed to suppress the Maccabean rebellion and solidify Seleucid control over the region.
Prior to the battle, there were political maneuverings and skirmishes between the Seleucid forces and the Maccabean rebels.

The Battle:

The Battle of Adasa took place on the 13th of Adar, 161 BC, near Beth-horon.
The Jewish rebels, inspired by Judas Maccabeus's vision of receiving a divine sword from the Prophet Jeremiah, confronted the Seleucid army led by Nicanor.
Nicanor was killed early in the battle, causing disarray among the Seleucid forces.
The Maccabees emerged victorious, forcing the Seleucid troops to retreat toward the fortress of Gazara.

Aftermath:

Nicanor's body was desecrated, with his head and right hand displayed near Jerusalem, boosting morale among the rebels.
The victory at Adasa bolstered the position of the Maccabees and enabled Judas Maccabeus to negotiate with the Romans from a position of strength.
Despite the triumph at Adasa, Judas Maccabeus would later be defeated and killed at the Battle of Elasa in the following year.

Analysis:

There are discrepancies between sources regarding the negotiations between Nicanor and Judas, with some suggesting insincerity on Nicanor's part.
Estimates of the size of the opposing forces vary, with scholars debating the actual numbers involved in the battle.
The presence of war elephants in the battle, as mentioned in 2 Maccabees, is considered doubtful by historians.

Legacy:

The Battle of Adasa is commemorated in Jewish tradition as Yom Nicanor, celebrated on the 13th of Adar.
Later rabbinical writings focus on Nicanor's arrogance and threats, aiming to counterbalance the Hasmonean glorification seen in earlier accounts.
Overall, the Battle of Adasa stands as a significant event in the Maccabean revolt, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Jewish rebels in their struggle against Seleucid oppression.

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