Cyrus the Great(ca.600 - 529 B.C.E.) was the ruler of Persia starting in 559 B.C.E. He was one of the best military and social leaders of time. After just 9 years from taking the "throne" he had conquered Media. Media became the first Persian province, also known as a satrapy. By 539 B.C.E. Cyrus had conquered Lydian, the Greek city-states on the Ionian coast of Asia Minor. In 539 his army conquered Babylon.
Not only did Cyrus conquer land, but he was a just conqueror. After conquering Babylon he allowed 40,000 Jews who had been banished by the Assyrians to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild their temples. Though Cyrus had his own religion, known as Zoroastrianism he was tolerant of both others religion and culture. He allowed those he ruled to practice whichever religion they chose. Government officials already in office before being conquered were allowed to stay in office, usually under a satrap (Persian governor).
Cyrus the Great was a humanitarian. He did not want to conquer for riches alone, but to unite his many satrapies. Public works flourished under his rule. He constructed forts in the northeast to protect against nomadic invaders. He built the Royal Road (see map) which united the kingdom further and allowed for easy trade. In building palaces Cyrus used Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Lydian architecture and practices.
Cyrus believed he was creating a "world empire." And apparently so did others; The Persians called him "father." Hellenes, a conquered satrapy called him "law-giver." A prophet of Judaism regarded him as the anointed one of God: "I am the Lord who says of Cyrus, 'He is my Shepard and will accomplish all that I please'; he will say of Jerusalem, 'Let it be rebuilt'; and of the temple, ' Let its foundations be laid.' This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him."
SEE ALSO:
Iran Chamber Society:
Western Civilization, Volume I: To 1715, 8th Edition
Not only did Cyrus conquer land, but he was a just conqueror. After conquering Babylon he allowed 40,000 Jews who had been banished by the Assyrians to go back to Jerusalem and rebuild their temples. Though Cyrus had his own religion, known as Zoroastrianism he was tolerant of both others religion and culture. He allowed those he ruled to practice whichever religion they chose. Government officials already in office before being conquered were allowed to stay in office, usually under a satrap (Persian governor).
Cyrus the Great was a humanitarian. He did not want to conquer for riches alone, but to unite his many satrapies. Public works flourished under his rule. He constructed forts in the northeast to protect against nomadic invaders. He built the Royal Road (see map) which united the kingdom further and allowed for easy trade. In building palaces Cyrus used Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Lydian architecture and practices.
Cyrus believed he was creating a "world empire." And apparently so did others; The Persians called him "father." Hellenes, a conquered satrapy called him "law-giver." A prophet of Judaism regarded him as the anointed one of God: "I am the Lord who says of Cyrus, 'He is my Shepard and will accomplish all that I please'; he will say of Jerusalem, 'Let it be rebuilt'; and of the temple, ' Let its foundations be laid.' This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him."
SEE ALSO:
Iran Chamber Society:
Western Civilization, Volume I: To 1715, 8th Edition
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