The first military engagement of the Maccabean Revolt, in which Judas Maccabeus defeated Seleucid general Apollonius using guerrilla tactics.
Key Facts
- Date
- 167 or 166 BCE
- Conflict
- Maccabean Revolt
- Jewish commander
- Judas Maccabeus
- Seleucid commander
- Apollonius, strategos of Samaritan forces
- Outcome
- Maccabee victory; Apollonius defeated in personal combat
- Primary source
- First battle described in 1 Maccabees
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In the early stages of the Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule, Judas Maccabeus had assembled a small guerrilla force in the hills of northern Judea and southern Samaria. The Seleucid authorities dispatched Apollonius, commanding local Samaritan armies, to link up with Seleucid forces from Jerusalem and suppress the rebellion.
The two forces met at an unconfirmed location along the road between Samaria and Jerusalem. Judas Maccabeus employed surprise guerrilla attacks, likely striking at night when the enemy was unprepared. The larger Seleucid-Samaritan army was defeated, and Judas defeated Apollonius in personal combat, reportedly taking Apollonius's sword as a trophy.
The Maccabee victory at Lebonah demonstrated that the Jewish guerrilla force could overcome larger Seleucid armies. The Seleucid Empire responded by dispatching another force, which led directly to the subsequent Battle of Beth Horon, marking an escalation of the Maccabean Revolt.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Judas Maccabeus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Apollonius.