1 Maccabees 7:1 – In the 51st year?
The verse in 1 Maccabees 7:1 says:
‘In the 51st year, Demetrius (son of Seleucus) left Rome.’
It’s not clear what this year refers to.
The other chronology within 1 Maccabees consistently uses the Seleucid era, which began in 312 BC. If ‘51st year’ is correct, then it must suddenly be using some other time system.
However, a simpler explanation is that it’s a scribal error, and it should read ‘151st year’.
This would add up, as Demetrius I Soter did indeed ascend the throne around the 151st year of the Seleucid era (~162 BC).