HANUKKAH is coming soon, and so the Jerusalem Post has a tourism-related piece on real and not-so-real archaeological connections etc. with the Maccabees:

On the Maccabee trail
By ESTI KELLER

The spectacle of two ancient armies advancing toward each other in battle is no doubt striking. And these compelling images of warriors atop elephants and steering extravagant chariots into battle are evoked at Canada Park, once the site of a Hellenistic town traditionally considered to be the New Testament settlement of Emmaus. Remnants of the town are displayed alongside plaques detailing the modest Maccabee rebel militia's most successful victory against its vast Greco-Syrian rival in 166 BCE, which was won at Emmaus.

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