Heliodoros inscription, transcript of correspondence in Greek between Seleucus IV (187–175 BCE), his viceroy Heliodoros, and subordinate officials

This inscription preserves Seleucus IV's decision to appoint Olympiodorus "overseer of the sanctuaries" in the satrapy of Koilē Syria and Phoinikē (which included the Land of Israel). The event, perceived by Jews as an infringement of religious autonomy, is echoed in the Second Book of Maccabees, which relates that the king's viceroy Heliodorus was sent by the king to confiscate funds from the Temple treasury, but was stopped through divine intervention. Tensions reached a height about a decade later, with the religious decrees of Antiochus IV Epiphanes that led to the outbreak of the Hasmonean (Maccabean) Revolt.

Credit: Extended loan from Michael and Judy Steinhardt, New YorkIsrael Antiquities Authority