Nicarchus (general)

Nicarchus was a Seleucid general who served during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (215-164 BCE). He is primarily known for his involvement in the suppression of Jewish religious practices and the persecution of Jews in Judea, events that ultimately led to the Maccabean Revolt.

According to the Books of Maccabees, Nicarchus was appointed by Antiochus IV to oversee the implementation of decrees that prohibited Jewish religious observances, including the Sabbath, circumcision, and the offering of sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem. He was also tasked with enforcing the worship of pagan gods.

Nicarchus played a role in the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event that deeply offended the Jewish population. His actions and the policies he enforced contributed significantly to the rising tensions between the Seleucid authorities and the Jewish people, ultimately igniting the Maccabean Revolt led by the Hasmonean family.

The historical details surrounding Nicarchus are primarily derived from the Books of Maccabees, which serve as a key source of information about this period. While other historical sources may corroborate the broader events of the Maccabean Revolt, specific details about Nicarchus are largely confined to these religious texts.