Topical Encyclopedia Bartacus is a figure mentioned in the deuterocanonical book of 2 Maccabees, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Protestant tradition and included in the Septuagint and Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. While not found in the canonical books of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament, Bartacus is recognized in the context of Jewish history during the Hellenistic period.Historical Context Bartacus is identified as the father of Apollonius, who was a governor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia under the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid Empire was one of the successor states of Alexander the Great's empire, and it played a significant role in the history of the Jewish people during the intertestamental period. This era was marked by significant cultural and political upheaval, as Hellenistic influences clashed with Jewish traditions. Biblical Reference The reference to Bartacus is found in 2 Maccabees 3:5, where it states: "Apollonius, son of Menestheus, was sent by the king to the cities of Judah, and he came to Jerusalem with a large force." In some translations and interpretations, Apollonius is referred to as the son of Bartacus, highlighting the familial lineage and the political connections of the time. Role and Significance Bartacus, though not a central figure in the biblical narrative, is significant due to his connection to Apollonius. Apollonius played a role in the events leading up to the Maccabean Revolt, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The revolt was a response to the aggressive Hellenization policies and religious persecution imposed by the Seleucid rulers, particularly Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The mention of Bartacus serves to provide a genealogical and political backdrop to the events described in 2 Maccabees. It underscores the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that characterized the period. The Seleucid administration's interactions with the Jewish population were often fraught with tension, leading to significant conflict and eventual rebellion. Cultural and Religious Impact The era in which Bartacus is mentioned was one of profound cultural and religious significance for the Jewish people. The Maccabean Revolt, which his son Apollonius indirectly influenced, led to the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. This period is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, celebrating the triumph of Jewish faith and identity over Hellenistic oppression. Bartacus, through his connection to Apollonius, is thus linked to a critical juncture in Jewish history, where the struggle for religious freedom and cultural identity took center stage. His mention in 2 Maccabees, while brief, is part of a larger narrative that highlights the resilience and faith of the Jewish people during a time of great challenge and change. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BARTACUSbar'-ta-kus (Bartakos; Josephus Rhabezdkes; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) Bezazes (1 Esdras 4:29)): The father of Apame. He is called "the illustrious," probably because of rank and merits. The family seems to be of Persian origin since the name Bartacus (Syriac,) in the form of Artachaeas is mentioned by Herodotus (vii0.22.117) as a person of rank in the Persian army of Xerxes and the name of his daughter Apame is identical with that of a Persian princess who married Seleucus I, Nicator, and became the mother of Antiochus I. Apamea, a city in Asia Minor founded by Seleucus I, is named in honor of his wife Apame. Compare APAME; ILLUSTRIOUS. Thesaurus Bartacus...BARTACUS. bar'-ta-kus (Bartakos; Josephus Rhabezdkes; Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 AD) Bezazes (1 Esdras 4:29)): The father of Apame. ... /b/bartacus.htm - 7k Illustrious (1 Occurrence) Barter (5 Occurrences) Apame Barsab'bas (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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