Letter from Antiochus III to Ptolemy Mentioning the Gerousia
Since the Jews, upon our first entrance into their country, demonstrated their friendship toward us, and when we came to their city [Jerusalem], received us in a splendid manner, and came to meet us with their Senate [gerousia], and gave abundant provisions to our soldiers and to the elephants, and joined with us in expelling the garrison of the Egyptians that were in the citadel, we have thought fit to reward them.
Translated by William Whiston, adapted by Aaron Samuels.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
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“King Antiochus to the senate [gerousia] of the Jews and to the other Jews, greetings.”
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