Cyrus+the+Great

He is also known as Cyrus II of Persia, Cyrus the Elder and in the Tanakh is referred to as “Koresh” (approximately 600 BC–530 BC). Cyrus the Great is recognized for his expansion of the Persian Empire to the largest the world had seen at that time as well as his benevolent, inclusive ruling style of conquered peoples. His reign lasted for roughly 30 years. Archeological findings and ancient documents testify to these facts. Regarding the Jews specifically, it was under his rule that he is credited for the return from Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Not only did he permit them to return to Jerusalem and Judea, records show that in his edict to release the Jews he also sent treasures to help finance the rebuilding of the Temple and sent along animals for sacrifice. This return and rebuilding is also documented by Jewish historian Josephus. One record of this edict is also found in the Book of Ezra. While there is some scholarly debate as to the timing and authoring of the details surrounding the Jews and Cyrus as detailed in the Tanakh, he is mentioned very favorably and even assigned the title of “Messiah.” More broadly, he is recognized as developing the first “Charter of Human Rights,” having a profound influence on Greek culture in Athens and many present-day Iranians see his legacy as defining their national identity. WB