Battle of Beth Zur

Battle of Beth Zur
Part of the Maccabean Revolt
The Ruins of Beth Zur, early 20th century
Date October 164 BC Location near Beth Zur, just north of Hebron Result Jewish victory
Belligerents
Maccabean rebels	Seleucid Empire
Commanders and leaders
Judas Maccabeus	Lysias
Strength
10,000	Unknown (see #Analysis)
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown (see #Analysis)

The Battle of Beth Zur was fought between the Maccabees led by Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee) and a Seleucid Greek army led by Regent Lysias in October 164 BC at Beth Zur. According to the books of Maccabees, the rebels won the battle, although how significant this victory really was is disputed; it is possible the battle's result was inconclusive. Through a stroke of good fortune for the rebels, the days after the battle likely coincided with news of Seleucid King Antiochus IV Epiphanes's death reaching Judea; rather than continue the campaign, the Seleucid army and Lysias returned to the capital to handle the leadership transition. The Maccabees were able to capture Jerusalem soon after.