Persian Journal - Iran Latest News
CTG
Cyrus (580-529 BC) was the first Achaemenid Emperor. He founded Persia
by uniting the two original Iranian Tribes- the Medes and the Persians. Although he was known to be a great conqueror, who
at one point controlled one of the greatest Empires ever seen, he is best remembered for his unprecedented tolerance and magnanimous
attitude towards those he defeated.
Upon his victory over the Medes, he founded a government for his new kingdom,
incorporating both Median and Persian nobles as civilian officials. The conquest of Asia Minor completed, he led his armies
to the eastern frontiers. Hyrcania and Parthia were already part of the Median Kingdom. Further east, he conquered Drangiana,
Arachosia, Margiana and Bactra. After crossing the Oxus, he reached the Jaxartes, where he built fortified towns with the
object of defending the farthest frontier of his kingdom against nomadic tribes of Central Asia.
Persian Journal
- Iran Latest News
Cyrus The Great Prayer at Persepolis
The victories to the east led him again to the
west and sounded the hour for attack on Babylon and Egypt. When he conquered Babylon, he did so to cheers from the Jewish
Community, who welcomed him as a liberator- he allowed the Jews to return to the Promised Land. He showed great forbearance
and respect towards the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of other races. These qualities earned him the respect and
homage of all the people over whom he ruled.
Persian Journal - Iran Latest News
First Declaration of Human
Rights by "Cyrus The Great"
The victory over Babylonia expressed all the facets of the policy of
conciliation which Cyrus had followed until then. He presented himself not as a conqueror, but a liberator and the legitimate
successor to the crown. He also declared the first Charter of Human Rights known to mankind. He took the title of "King
of Babylon and King of the Land". Cyrus had no thought of forcing conquered people into a single mould, and had the wisdom
to leave unchanged the institution of each kingdom he attached to the Persian Crown. In 539 BCE he allowed more than 40,000
Jews to leave Babylon and return to Palestine. This step was in line with his policy to bring peace to Mankind. A new wind
was blowing from the east, carrying away the cries and humility of defeated and murdered victims, extinguishing the fires
of sacked cities, and liberating nations from slavery.
Cyrus was upright, a great leader of men, generous and benevolent.
The Hellenes, whom he conquered, regarded him as 'Law-giver' and the Jews as 'the anointed of the Lord'.
Prior to his death, he founded a new capital city at Pasargadae in Fars and had established a government for his Empire.
He appointed a governor (satrap) to represent him in each province, however the administration, legislation, and cultural
activities of each province was the responsibility of the Satraps. According to Xenophon Cyrus is also reputed to have devised
the first postal system, (Achaemenid achievements). His doctrines were adopted by the future emperors of the Achaemenid dynasty.
Persian
Journal - Iran Latest News
Persian Empire
