Elymais
Elyma'is (Ε᾿λυμαϊvς), a general designation (Tobit 2:10) of that province of the Persian empire. See Smith, Diet. of Class. Geog. s.v.) termed ELAM SEE ELAM (q.v.) in the Bible. In 1 Macc. 6:1, however, the word is used (incorrectly) in a more specific or local sense of some Persian city, as we are there informed that Antiochus Epiphanes, understanding there were very great treasures in the temple at Elymais, determined to plunder it; but the citizens resisted him successfully. 2 Macc. 9:2 calls this city Persepolis, probably because it formerly had been the capital of Persia; for Persepolis and Elymais were very different cities; the former situated on the Araxes, the latter on the Eulaeus. The temple which Antiochus designed to pillage was that of the goddess Nannaea, according to 2 Macc. 1:13; Appian says (Syr. page 66) a temple of Venus (i.e., probably the goddess Anubis); Polybius (31:11), Diodorus, Josephus (Ant. 12:9, 1), and Jerome say a temple of Diana. SEE ANTIOCHUS (EPIPHANES).
