The Cyrus Cylinder

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
by
published on 11 April 2016
Subscribe to author
The Cyrus Cylinder Download Full Size Image

This clay tablet dates back to the reign of the Achaemenid king Cyrus the Great, who ruled Iran between 550-530 BCE. The cylinder describes the king's peaceful capture of the city of Babylon in the year 539 BCE and he how built the main temple there. The text claims that Cyrus restored temples in the neighboring cities and returned deported people to their homes. With reference to his just and peaceful rule, this cylinder has been referred to as an early charter of human rights. From Babylon, Mesopotamia, Iraq. Mid-6th century BCE. (The British Museum, London)

Remove Ads
Advertisement
Subscribe to this author

About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2016, April 11). The Cyrus Cylinder. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Cyrus Cylinder." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 11, 2016. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Cyrus Cylinder." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 11 Apr 2016. Web. 03 Mar 2025.

Membership