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Definition

Cyrus (559-530 BC) was the founder of the Persian empire. When he became king, Persia was a client state of the empire of the Medes. Cyrus revolted, conquered the Median capital Ecbatana and deposed the king of the Medes, Astyages. Throughout his reign he conquered Babylon, Lydia, and the Greek cities of Asia Minor. The expansion of Persia brought wealth, with Cyrus used to construct the royal city of Pasargadae.

Cyrus is also mentioned in the Bible where he is credited with returning the Jews to their homeland after conquering Babylon.

Written by Jan van der Crabben.

Articles

  • The Cyrus Cylinder

    The Cyrus Cylinder is a document issued by Cyrus the Great, consisting of a cylinder of clay inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform script. The cylinder was created in 539 BC, surely by order of Cyrus the Great, when he took Babylon from Nabonidus, ending the Neo-Babylonian empire. This document is clearly propaganda, praising the Achemenid ruler Cyrus and treating Nabonidus like an impious and bad king.
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Illustrations

Tomb of Cyrus the Great Map of Persia and the March of the Ten Thousand Cyrus Cylinder

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