Sicyon
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Greek city-state located in the northern Peloponnese, known for its distinct political history and artistic traditions.
What is the meaning of Sicyon in the Bible?
Sicyon was a Greek city-state located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Corinth, approximately eighteen miles west of Corinth. It is recorded in 1 Maccabees 15:23 as one of the cities to which the Roman consul Lucius sent letters requesting friendly relations with the Jewish people.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Sicyon as a recipient of Roman diplomatic correspondence illustrates the broad international scope of the Maccabean struggle for independence. It highlights how Jewish leaders actively sought legitimacy and alliance with established Hellenistic powers and Roman allies to secure their political standing and trade interests during a period of significant regional upheaval.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Sicyon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sicyon clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.