(Hebrew: makeb, hammer)
Son of the priest Mathathias (1Machabees 2) and leader of the Jewish army, who waged a war of independence against Syria and delivered his people from the Syrian yoke. He sent messengers to Rome to secure protection against the oppression of the Syrians, but before their success became known in the East, he was defeated and slain, 161 BC, on the battlefield at Laisa (1Machabees 4-9; 2Machabees 10-15). His deeds are the subject of an oratorio by Handel. The books of Machabees are so called because they contain the history of the Jews. under Judas Machabeus and his brethren.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More