Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay artifact inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, attributed to the Persian king Cyrus the Great (6th century BCE). It is often regarded as a declaration of his policies following the conquest of Babylon (539 BCE).

• Written shortly after Cyrus’s conquest of Babylon.
• Portrays Cyrus as chosen by Marduk, the chief Babylonian deity, to restore order and justice.
• Demonstrates the Persian strategy of legitimizing rule through respect for local religions and customs.

• The cylinder does not directly mention the Jewish people or Jerusalem.
• In the Book of Ezra, Cyrus is described as being commanded by the God of Israel to allow the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple.
  • See also: Ezra
• The difference between the Babylonian account (Marduk) and the Biblical account (YHWH) reflects differing theological interpretations of the same event.

• The Cyrus Cylinder has come to symbolize tolerance, religious freedom, and political moderation.
• Modern commentators and political figures have at times called it the “first bill of human rights.”
  • This characterization is debated among historians, as the text primarily reflects ancient Near Eastern royal propaganda rather than universal principles.

• The Persian Empire under Cyrus was notable for its decentralized administrative system.
  • The empire was divided into regional units called satrapies, each governed by a satrap.
  • Satraps had considerable autonomy, provided they remained loyal to the king and paid tribute.
  • See also: Administrative Structure—Satrapies

• The Cyrus Cylinder remains a key artifact in discussions of:
  • Imperial governance and cultural policy in the Achaemenid Empire.
  • Early notions of human rights and freedom of religion.
  • The interaction between Persian and Jewish narratives of restoration.