30
The tomb which he built in Modein is still there today.
31
Meanwhile, Trypho assassinated the young king, Antiochus the Sixth,
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and took over his kingdom in Syria. He brought that country great troubles.
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Simon rebuilt the fortresses of Judea with high towers, strong walls, and barred gates; then he placed stores of supplies there.
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He sent ambassadors to King Demetrius the Second to ask for tax relief for the land, since Trypho was doing nothing but robbing them.
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King Demetrius sent the following letter in reply:
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"King Demetrius to the High Priest Simon, the friend of kings, to the Jewish nation, and to their leaders, greetings.
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I have received the gold crown and the gold palm branch which you sent, and I am prepared to make a peace treaty with you and to instruct our tax officials to grant you exemptions.
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Our previous agreements with you are confirmed, and the fortresses which you have built are to remain yours.
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I grant you pardon for treaty violations committed up to the present date, and I release you from payment of the special tax still due and any other taxes that have been collected up to this time in Jerusalem.
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All Jews who are qualified may enroll in the royal service. Let us have peace."