The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay cylinder inscribed with cuneiform script that is considered one of the most significant artifacts from the ancient Near East. It is named after Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, and provides insight into his conquest of Babylon and his policies regarding the treatment of conquered peoples. The cylinder is often celebrated for its role in the history of human rights and is considered by some as an early declaration of religious and ethnic tolerance.

Key features and historical context of the Cyrus Cylinder include:

1. Creation and Purpose:
   • The Cyrus Cylinder was created in 539 BCE, following the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great. It is made of baked clay and measures about nine inches in length.
   • The cylinder was inscribed with cuneiform script, recording Cyrus’s victory over Babylon and his subsequent policies toward the diverse population of the city.
2. Conquest of Babylon:
   • In 539 BCE, Cyrus the Great, the king of Persia, successfully captured Babylon, ending the Neo-Babylonian Empire. The conquest is described in the Cyrus Cylinder, highlighting Cyrus’s lenient treatment of the city and its inhabitants.
3. Policies of Tolerance:
   • The Cyrus Cylinder is celebrated for its emphasis on religious and ethnic tolerance. It describes Cyrus’s policy of allowing various displaced peoples, including the Jews who had been exiled in Babylon, to return to their homelands and practice their own religions.
4. Humanitarian Ideals:
   • The cylinder articulates a set of humanitarian ideals, expressing Cyrus’s desire to establish justice, prevent oppression, and promote the well-being of his subjects. It portrays him as a ruler who seeks the favor of the gods and strives to be a benevolent leader.
5. Symbol of Religious Freedom:
   • The Cyrus Cylinder is often hailed as an early symbol of religious freedom and tolerance. It is cited as evidence of Cyrus’s commitment to allowing conquered peoples to worship their own gods and rebuild their religious sanctuaries.
6. Discovery and Interpretation:
   • The Cyrus Cylinder was discovered in 1879 during archaeological excavations in Babylon, modern-day Iraq. It is currently housed in the British Museum in London.
   • Its inscription was translated, and its historical and cultural significance was recognized, leading to increased scholarly and public interest.
7. World Heritage:
   • The Cyrus Cylinder has been recognized as an important cultural artifact and is considered a symbol of tolerance and human rights. In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the Cyrus Cylinder as a document safeguarding cultural heritage.

The Cyrus Cylinder is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the policies and ideals of Cyrus the Great and provides a glimpse into the cultural and religious diversity of the Achaemenid Empire. It continues to be a symbol of tolerance, justice, and human rights.