ALCIMO

ALCIMO. - Giuda Maccabeo (v.). He changed his Hebrew name, 'Eljāqim (or Jēhōjāqim), into the Greek 'Αλκίμωσ in order to display his adherence to the policy of Hellenization of Palestine established by the Seleucids. Of priestly descent, though not of the family from which the high priest was chosen, he aspired to that most exalted office, supported by the Hellenizing Jews and by the arms of the Syrian king. He was invested with the coveted dignity by Lisia, who governed in the name of the young king Antioco V Eupatore (163–62 B.C.). Shortly afterwards (mid-161 B.C.) he succeeded in winning the favor of Demetrio I Sotere (162–50 B.C.), who had eliminated his protectors, and obtained the assistance of the general Bacchide in order to be forcibly installed in office at Jerusalem, which was in the hands of the Maccabee. An initial success of Bacchide was checked by Giuda, who also resisted when operations were resumed by Nicanore, who died on the field (v. ADARSA). A. obtained a second intervention by Bacchide, who, with a large army, overcame the valiant Maccabee, who perished gloriously. A. was finally able to lord it over the city and even to attempt a reform of worship; but while he was demolishing «the wall of the inner court of the Sanctuary,» he was struck by apoplexy (159 B.C.). I Mach. 7, 5-50; 9, 1-57; II Mach., 14, 3-27.