Cyrus Cylinder

Definition

The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay artifact inscribed with a declaration by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, detailing his conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE and his policies towards the peoples he governed. It is often considered one of the first examples of human rights declarations, emphasizing tolerance and respect for the customs and religions of conquered peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cyrus Cylinder was discovered in 1879 in Babylon, now modern Iraq, and dates back to the 6th century BCE.
2. Inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, the cylinder describes how Cyrus the Great captured Babylon without bloodshed and restored temples and religious practices.
3. The cylinder is considered a symbol of tolerance as it highlights Cyrus's policy of allowing displaced peoples, such as the Jews, to return to their homelands.
4. Many historians regard the Cyrus Cylinder as an early declaration of human rights due to its focus on justice and respect for local customs.
5. The artifact is housed in the British Museum and has become a significant cultural symbol for Iran and its historical heritage.

Review Questions

• How does the Cyrus Cylinder reflect Achaemenid administration and cultural policy towards conquered peoples?
  • The Cyrus Cylinder exemplifies Achaemenid administration by showcasing Cyrus's approach to governance that prioritized tolerance and respect for diverse cultures. By emphasizing the restoration of temples and allowing people to maintain their religious practices, it reveals how the Achaemenids sought to unify their vast empire through cultural inclusivity rather than oppression. This strategy not only facilitated smoother rule over diverse populations but also promoted stability within the empire.
• In what ways did the policies outlined in the Cyrus Cylinder impact the end of native Mesopotamian rule?
  • The policies outlined in the Cyrus Cylinder significantly impacted the end of native Mesopotamian rule by marking a shift from Babylonian dominance to Achaemenid control. By capturing Babylon peacefully and announcing his intentions to restore local customs, Cyrus effectively won over the local population, leading to a relatively smooth transition of power. This approach diminished resistance among the conquered peoples and set a precedent for future interactions between empires and local communities.
• Evaluate how the principles expressed in the Cyrus Cylinder can be connected to modern concepts of human rights and governance.
  • The principles expressed in the Cyrus Cylinder can be connected to modern human rights concepts by highlighting an early commitment to justice and respect for individual freedoms within governance. The cylinder's focus on tolerance for diverse cultures and religions serves as a foundational idea that resonates with contemporary human rights ideals. By framing governance not just as a means of control but as an opportunity for inclusion and respect, it underscores how historical artifacts can inform modern discussions about ethical leadership and civil liberties.

Related terms

Achaemenid Empire: An ancient Persian empire founded by Cyrus the Great, known for its significant cultural, political, and administrative innovations across a vast territory.

Babylonian Exile: The period during which the Jewish population was exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon following the conquest by Nebuchadnezzar II, ending with Cyrus's edict allowing their return.

Human Rights: The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person, which are emphasized in the context of the Cyrus Cylinder as an early example of such principles in governance.