The world in 163 BC — what happened that year

9 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.

What happened

Gamani left Tissamaharama with 500 monks and, following the road to Malaya, crossed the river and began the campaign. (Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) 25.1-6) tradition
At Mahiyangana he subdued the Tamil Chatta. (Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) 25.7) tradition
At Ambatthakara he fought the Tamil Titthamba for four months and won by a stratagem. (Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) 25.7-8) tradition
Going down the river, he defeated seven Tamil lords in one day, established peace, and was called Kemarama. (Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) 25.9-10) tradition
In villages such as Antarasobha, Don and Halakolla he subdued Tamil commanders one after another, and each village took the name of its commander. (Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle of Sri Lanka) 25.11-14) tradition

Judas and Jonathan cross the Jordan, travel three days and meet the Nabateans (to rescue the Jews of Gilead) (Josephus, Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews 12.335)
Timothy fights Judas at the stream opposite Raphon and is defeated (Josephus, Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews 12.341-344)
Simon goes to help the Jews of Galilee and fights the people of Ptolemais (Josephus, Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews 12.331)
Antiochus V and Lysias come through Bethsura and besiege Judas, shut up in the Temple, then withdraw on peace terms (Josephus, Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews 12.367)