11. They also destroyed or made slaves of other kingdoms, the islands, and everyone who had ever fought against them.
12. But they maintained their friendship with their allies and those who relied on them for protection. They conquered kings near and far, and everyone who heard of their reputation was afraid of them.
13. They helped some men to become kings, while they deposed others; they had become a world power.
14. In spite of all this, no Roman ever tried to advance his own position by wearing a crown or putting on royal robes.
15. They created a senate, and each day 320 senators came together to deliberate about the affairs of the people and their wellbeing.
16. Each year they entrusted to one man the responsibility of governing them and controlling their whole territory. Everyone obeyed this one man, and there was no envy or jealousy among them.
17. Judas chose Eupolemus, the son of John and grandson of Accos, and Jason son of Eleazar and sent them to Rome to make a treaty of friendship and alliance with the Romans.
18. He did this to get rid of Syrian oppression, since the Jews clearly saw that they were being reduced to slavery.
19. After a long and difficult journey, Eupolemus and Jason reached Rome and entered the Senate. They addressed the assembly in these terms:
20. “Judas Maccabaeus, his brothers, and the Jewish people have sent us here to make a mutual defence treaty with you, so that we may be officially recorded as your friends and allies.”
21. The Romans accepted the proposal,
22. and what follows is a copy of the letter which was engraved on bronze tablets and sent to Jerusalem to remain there as a record of the treaty:
23. “May things go well for ever for the Romans and for the Jewish nation on land and sea! May they never have enemies, and may they never go to war!
24. But if war is declared first against Rome or any of her allies anywhere,
25. the Jewish nation will come to her aid with wholehearted support, as the situation may require.
26. And to those at war with her, the Jews shall not give or supply food, arms, money, or ships, as was agreed in Rome. The Jews must carry out their obligations without receiving anything in return.
27. “In the same way, if war is declared first against the Jewish nation, the Romans will come to their aid with hearty support, as the situation may require.
28. And to their enemies there shall not be given or supplied food, arms, money, or ships, as was agreed in Rome. The Romans must carry out their obligations without deception.
29. “These are the terms of the treaty that the Romans have made with the Jewish people.