Battle of Emmaus - Definition and Overview

The Battle of Emmaus took place in 166 BCE between the Hasmonean rebels of Judea, led by Judas Maccabeus and the third expedition of Hellenist forces sent by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, this time led by Lysias and his general, Gorgias.

Gorgias established his base camp at the town of Emmaus, along the western border of Judea, while Judas Maccabeus' camp was located in the town of Mitzpah, north of Jerusalem. When word reached Maccabeus that Gorgias was leading 5,000 troops on a march against his camp and was planning to surprise the Jewish rebels in a nighttime attack, he abandoned his camp and led his forces to Emmaus, to attack the Hellenic base camp that remained there. Gorgias was unable to find Maccabeus and his men, so he returned to Emmaus, only to find his camp destroyed and the rebel army in position against his troops. In the ensuing battle, Judas Maccabeus and his men succeeded in repelling Gorgias and chasing his army out Judea and down to the Coastal Plain in what was considered one of his most important victories in the war for Judea's independence.