The Titans of Civilization: The People Who Shaped the World - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great (c. 600 — 530 BCE) was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire and one of the most remarkable leaders in ancient history. His conquests and policies shaped the foundations of a vast empire known for its tolerance and administrative innovations. Here are the key facts about Cyrus the Great:

Early Life and Rise to Power:
- Cyrus was born into the royal family of the Achaemenid Persians, a tribe among the Persians in present-day Iran.
- He grew up under the rule of the Median Empire and gained experience in leadership and military strategy.

Conquest of Media and Babylonia:
- Cyrus overthrew the Median king Astyages in 550 BCE and united the Median and Persian tribes under his rule.
- He then launched successful campaigns against the Lydian Empire in Anatolia and later captured Babylon in 539 BCE.

Policy of Tolerance and Freedom:
- Cyrus is known for his policy of religious and cultural tolerance, allowing conquered peoples to practice their own religions and traditions.
- He issued the famous Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay cylinder that is often considered one of the earliest declarations of human rights. It proclaims his commitment to justice, freedom, and the well-being of his subjects.

Reputation as a Liberator:
- Cyrus is often regarded as a liberator due to his approach to governance. When he captured Babylon, he freed the Jews who had been held in captivity there and allowed them to return to Jerusalem, which earned him praise in the Hebrew Bible.

Administrative Reforms:
- Cyrus established a system of satrapies, provinces ruled by governors known as satraps, which allowed for local administration and reduced the potential for rebellions.
- He promoted economic development and infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Royal Road, a network of roads and rest stations that facilitated communication and trade.

Legacy and Expansion:
- Cyrus continued to expand his empire by conquering territories in Central Asia, including parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- His empire, known as the Achaemenid Empire, eventually stretched from Asia Minor (Anatolia) to the Indus River, making it one of the largest empires in history.

Death and Succession:
- Cyrus died in battle against a Central Asian tribe known as the Massagetae in 530 BCE. His body was returned to Pasargadae, where he had established his capital.
- His legacy was carried on by his son Cambyses II and later his grandson Darius I, who continued to expand and solidify the empire.

Cultural Contributions:
- Cyrus left a lasting impact on Persian culture and history. His reign marked the beginning of the Achaemenid era, which saw the flourishing of Persian art, architecture, and administrative systems.

Pasargadae and Tomb:
- Cyrus had his capital at Pasargadae, where he built a palace and established a grand garden.
- His tomb, located at Pasargadae, is a simple but significant structure known as the Tomb of Cyrus. It reflects the architectural style of the period and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cyrus the Great's legacy as a conqueror, administrator, and advocate of religious tolerance continues to be celebrated for its impact on the course of history and the development of one of the world's most influential ancient civilizations.