Cyrus the Great

About

Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus II of Persia, was a pivotal figure in ancient history, renowned for founding the Achaemenid Empire. Born between 590 and 580 BCE in Persis, he was the son of Cambyses I and Mandane of Media. Cyrus united the Iranian people under a single ruler for the first time, expanding his empire through strategic military campaigns against the Median Empire, Lydia, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire. His conquests stretched from modern-day Turkey to Central Asia, creating one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Cyrus is celebrated for his tolerant and inclusive governance. He issued the Edict of Restoration, allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, ending the Babylonian captivity. The Cyrus Cylinder, discovered in Babylon, is considered one of the earliest human rights declarations, promoting religious freedom and racial equality. Cyrus's administrative innovations included the establishment of royal roads and a postal system, facilitating communication across his vast empire. His legacy extends beyond his military achievements, influencing human rights and cultural tolerance, making him a revered figure in history.