The Iran history timeline offers a rich tapestry of significant events and one of the most notable artifacts from this era is the Cyrus Cylinder. Often considered the world’s first charter of human rights, this ancient clay cylinder sheds light on the policies and achievements of Cyrus the Great. Through its inscriptions, we gain insights into his innovative governance and the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire.
Historical Context and Discovery
The Cyrus Cylinder, a clay cylinder inscribed with cuneiform script, dates back to the 6th century BCE. It was created following the conquest of Babylon by the Persian king, Cyrus the Great, in 539 BCE. This event marked a significant turning point in ancient Near Eastern history, as it led to the establishment of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest and most influential empires of the ancient world.
Cyrus the Great is renowned for his innovative approach to governance. Unlike many conquerors of his time, he practiced a policy of tolerance and respect towards the cultures and religions of the lands he conquered. This approach is vividly reflected in the contents of the Cyrus Cylinder, which outlines Cyrus’s policies regarding the restoration of temples and the repatriation of displaced peoples.
Discovery by Archaeologists
The Cyrus Cylinder was unearthed in 1879 during an excavation of the ancient city of Babylon, in modern-day Iraq, by a team of British archaeologists led by Hormuzd Rassam. The discovery was made near the Esagila, the main temple dedicated to the chief Babylonian god, Marduk. The artifact was subsequently brought to the British Museum in London, where it remains one of the most prized items in the museum’s extensive collection of Mesopotamian antiquities.
The discovery of the Cyrus Cylinder provided valuable insights into the political and cultural landscape of the ancient Near East. It shed light on the practices of Persian rulers and their impact on the diverse populations within their empire.
Who Was Cyrus the Great?
Cyrus II, commonly known as Cyrus the Great, was born around 600 BCE in the region of Persis, in present-day Iran. He was a member of the Achaemenid dynasty, which ruled the ancient Persian state of Anshan. According to ancient sources, including Herodotus, Cyrus’s rise to power was marked by a series of strategic moves and conquests. He overthrew his grandfather, Astyages, the king of the Median Empire, in 550 BCE, thereby uniting the Persian and Median tribes under his rule.
The Founding of the Achaemenid Empire
Cyrus the Great is best known for founding the Achaemenid Empire, which became the largest empire the world had seen up to that point. His conquests extended from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west, encompassing a vast and diverse range of cultures and people. Key to his success was his innovative approach to governance, which emphasized tolerance and respect for local customs and religions.
Key Conquests and Achievements
1. Conquest of Lydia (546 BCE): Cyrus defeated Croesus, the wealthy king of Lydia, expanding Persian control into Asia Minor.
2. Conquest of Babylon (539 BCE): One of Cyrus’s most significant achievements was the peaceful conquest of Babylon. He entered the city without a battle, a feat attributed to his reputation for benevolence and respect for local traditions. This event is commemorated by the Cyrus Cylinder, which outlines his policies and promises to the Babylonian people.
3. Expansion into Central Asia: Cyrus extended his empire into Central Asia, securing the eastern frontiers of his empire and establishing Persian dominance over various nomadic tribes.
Policies and Governance
Cyrus the Great’s rule was characterized by a forward-thinking approach to governance. Unlike many conquerors of his time, he allowed conquered peoples to maintain their customs, religions, and local governance structures. This policy of tolerance is exemplified by his decree allowing the Jews exiled in Babylon to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem, an act which earned him a favorable mention in the Bible.
The Cyrus Cylinder, often considered the first charter of human rights, further highlights his commitment to fair and just rule. The inscriptions on the Cylinder detail his efforts to improve the lives of his subjects, restore temples, and repatriate displaced people.
Contents of the Cyrus Cylinder
The Cyrus Cylinder, discovered in the ruins of Babylon in 1879, is a barrel-shaped clay artifact inscribed with Akkadian cuneiform script. It dates back to the 6th century BCE and records the conquests and policies of Cyrus the Great following his capture of Babylon in 539 BCE. The text provides a unique insight into the political and social philosophies of Cyrus, emphasizing his approach to governance, liberation, and religious tolerance.
Proclamations Regarding Liberation of Peoples
One of the most significant aspects of the Cyrus Cylinder is its proclamation of the liberation of various peoples who had been held captive by the previous Babylonian rulers. The text states:
“I am Cyrus, king of the universe, the great king, the powerful king, king of Babylon, king of Sumer and Akkad, king of the four corners of the world… I returned to these sacred cities on the other side of the Tigris, the sanctuaries of which have been in ruins for a long time, the images which (used to live) therein and established for them permanent sanctuaries.”
This passage highlights Cyrus’s policy of repatriating displaced peoples and restoring their traditional places of worship. This act of liberation was unprecedented in ancient times and demonstrated Cyrus’s commitment to respecting the customs and beliefs of the conquered populations.
Religious Freedoms
Cyrus’s emphasis on religious tolerance is a central theme in the Cylinder. The text reveals that he took measures to restore and protect the religious sanctuaries of various peoples within his empire. He allowed them to practice their religions freely, a stark contrast to the policies of previous rulers who often imposed their own gods and rituals on subjugated peoples.
The Cylinder states:
“I returned the images of the gods, who had resided there [in Babylon], to their places, and I let them dwell in eternal abodes. I gathered all their inhabitants and returned (to them) their dwellings.”
By allowing displaced religious images and idols to be returned to their original temples, Cyrus reinforced the idea that his rule would be marked by respect for diverse religious practices. This policy not only gained him the loyalty of his subjects but also promoted a sense of unity and stability within his vast empire.
Conclusion
The legacy of Cyrus the Great, as encapsulated in the Cyrus Cylinder, continues to resonate as a pioneering document advocating for human rights and religious tolerance. This ancient artifact not only underscores Cyrus’s progressive policies but also provides a glimpse into the broader historical context of the Achaemenid Empire. Its discovery has enriched our understanding of ancient Near Eastern history and the enduring impact of Cyrus’s rule.