Saksagan
Maccabean Struggles and Parthian Rise
Jonathan’s Leadership and Tragedy
Both Alexander I and Demetrius II sought allies, leading to favorable peace terms with the Maccabees. Jonathan became the civil and military governor of Judaea. Unfortunately, another contender for the Seleucid throne, Trypho, murdered Jonathan in 142 B.C Parthian Expansion and Seleucid Decline.
Simon Takes Charge
Mattathias’s last living son, Simon, continued Jonathan’s work. In exchange for Jewish support against Trypho’s rebellion, Demetrius II granted full independence, renouncing tribute claims. Simon became the hereditary high priest and king. However, his reign ended tragically; after defeating Antiochus VII, Simon was assassinated by his son-in-law Ptolemy, who aspired to the throne. Ptolemy was defeated by Simon’s son, John Hyrcanus I, who became the next king, leading Israel in new directions.
Parthia’s Philhellenic
Parthian Expansion and Seleucid Decline
Seleucus II’s Eastern Campaign
Initially, the Seleucids were preoccupied with challenges in the west. Around 232 or 231 B.C., Seleucus II ventured eastward to quell a rebellion led by Tiridates. Sensing the superior strength of Seleucus, Tiridates strategically retreated to the steppe, prompting Seleucus to pursue him to the Jaxartes (Syr Dar’ya) River. However, alarming news from Syria compelled Seleucus to turn back, allowing Tiridates to re-occupy the abandoned district and annex Hyrcania along the Caspian Sea Parthian Prosperity and Eastern Challenges.
Challenges Faced by Artabanus I
Artabanus I (211-191) faced significant challenges during the reign of Antiochus the Great. Defeated in battle, Artabanus lost half his kingdom to the Greeks and acknowledged Seleucid overlordship to retain his throne. The succeeding king, Priapathius (191-176), seized the opportunity to recover Hyrcania
The Rise of the Parthians
Revolt and Formation of the Parthian State
In 255 B.C., Diodotus, the satrap of Bactria, rebelled against Seleucid rule, establishing an Indo-Greek kingdom in Afghanistan. Concurrently, the northeastern region of Iran witnessed a distinct development as the Parni, a nomadic tribe of uncertain Indo-European origin, led by chieftain Arsaces, revolted and established the Parthian state. Initially, the Parni may have had Scythian roots, hailing from Central Asia and sharing a nomadic lifestyle.
Early Parthian Leadership
Arsaces, falling in battle around 248 B.C. Jewish Sects and Antiochus’s Oppression, lent his name to the ruling dynasty. His brother Tiridates, reigning for thirty-seven years, played a crucial role in consolidating the new kingdom. Initially ruling from the mountains of Turkmenistan, Tiridates later established a new capital named Asaak or Arsak and crowned himself king. Reflecting the
Jewish Sects and Antiochus’s Oppression
Emergence of Jewish Sects
At this juncture, the Jewish community divides into two major sects of the New Testament era: the Pharisees, representing the fundamentalist majority, and the Sadducees Roman Intervention and Antiochus IV’s Reign, embodying the liberal upper class. Jason, a Sadducee, secures the high priest’s position by surpassing his brother Onias III’s gift to Antiochus. Onias III, seen as pro-Ptolemaic, loses favor. Jason, once in power, attempts to win Antiochus’s favor further by renaming Jerusalem to Antiochia and constructing a gymnasium near the temple, which greatly offends devout Jews. Eventually, the disapproval leads to Jason’s exile, setting the stage for more upheaval.
Antiochus’s Actions and Egyptian Campaigns
Antiochus, concurrently, engages in battles in Egypt. His initial campaign (170) results in the complete conquest of Egypt. However,
Roman Intervention and Antiochus IV’s Reign
Antiochus’s Ambitions Unravel
Antiochus, having aligned with Philip solely for Egypt, sought to revive old Seleucid claims in Ionia and Thrace. To appease Rhodes, he ceded the Carian coastline. His eastern conquests, blinding his court to the state’s weaknesses, led to comparisons with Alexander. When he occupied a Thracian sliver, Rome, viewing it as a potential European invasion, declared war (192). Antiochus, pre-empting Rome The Rise of the Parthians, responded to an Aetolian League invitation, sending troops to Greece in the same year.
Roman Triumph and Seleucid Decline
Rome swiftly expelled Antiochus from Greece, securing a decisive victory at Magnesia (190). While Rome claimed no territory, Pergamun and Rhodes received Western Asia Minor. The Seleucid army’s destruction unraveled Antiochus’s life’s work, prompting Atropatene, Parthia, and Armenian states to reject Seleucid authori
Barbecue Tips and Global Grill Culture
Estimate the amount of coal well. Spread coal pieces an additional ten centimeters from the left and right edges of the grill area. Don’t add coal afterward.
Don’t start grilling before reaching high temperatures.
Keep the grill clean. If it is dirty, the food will stick to the wire. It is best to brush it and wash with soap after each barbecue party. Also, before using it again, wash, dry, and place it on the barbecue.
To avoid meat, fish, or vegetables sticking to the grill, oil the wires before you start The Evolution of Mangal Tradition in Turkey.
Don’t turn them using forks. Use tongs.
Cook thick meat pieces by covering them.
Rest the grilled meat for a few minutes before serving.
Never leave your spot by the barbecue so that you can keep an eye on hazards and also check if the meat is cooked right.
Australia and New Zealand Know the Drill
The Evolution of Mangal Tradition in Turkey
The history of mangal in our country dates back to the 1400s. This setup, initially used for cooking coffee during the Ottoman Empire’s reign, gradually became an integral part of our culture and expanded to include the preparation of meat. Mangal setups are typically constructed from metal plates of steel, iron, copper, or brass, available in square and round types.
Mangal’s transformation into an essential part of picnic ceremonies aligns with the accelerated migration from rural areas to cities in the 1960s. Although the term ‘picnic’ originates from the French language, there’s no denying that we have surpassed the British and developed a deep love for picnics The Joyful Journey of Climbing Mountains. In the past, people preferred cold-cut foods for picnics to preserve freshness. Today, safety and cleanliness precautions are crucial in picnic areas due to the potential fire and pollutio
The Joyful Journey of Climbing Mountains
The Sweet Tiredness of Climbing
In the chilly days of March, we embarked on a mountain path leading to Barla, raindrops from the clouds above sprinkling on us. We took a break by a brook, absorbing the scent, color, and essence of the mountains, which overflowed with rain.
In small groups, we shared snacks from our backpacks under a tree or on rocks. Continuing our journey, we said, “The traveler should keep moving.” As we reached the small lake in Barla, the rain turned into a storm, and we became part of the steppe grass. We were completely soaked, transforming into a vibrant savanna. Our internal deserts, longing for water, rain, and blessings, turned green. Hills seemed to urge the next ones to guard us and bid farewells. Perhaps they whispered Barbecue Tips and Global Grill Culture, “Don’t leave us alone; come by from time to time.” Or maybe it was just my imagination.
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