15 Numenios and his company came from Romai, having letters to the kings and to the countries, in which were written these things:

16 “Lukios, consul of the Romaios, to King Ptolemaios (Ptolemy), greetings. 17 The Yehudim’ (Jews) ambassadors came to us as our friends and allies, to renew the old friendship and alliance, being sent from Shim’on (Simon) the high priest, and from the people of the Yehudim. 18 Moreover they brought a shield of gold weighing one thousand minas.[fn] 19 It pleased us therefore to write to the kings and to the countries, that they should not seek their harm or fight against them, their cities, and their country, or be allies with those who fight against them. 20 Moreover, it seemed good to us to receive the shield from them. 21 If therefore any troublemakers have fled from their country to you, deliver them to Shim’on the high priest, that he may take vengeance on them according to their law.”

22 He wrote the same things to King Demetrios, to Atalos, to Ariarathes, to Arsakes, 23 to all the countries, to[fn] Sampsames, to the Spartans, to Delos, to Mundos, to Sikuon, to Karia, to Samos, to Pamfulia, to Lukia, to Halikarnasos, to Rodos, to Faselis, to Kos, to Side, to Arvad, Gortuna, Knidos, Kupros (Cyprus), and Kurainai (Cyrene). 24 They also wrote this copy to Shim’on the high priest.