Born: 529 BC in Persia
as Kourosh
Died: 580 BC in Pasargad, Province
of Fars
Occupation: Founder of the vast Persian
Empire, First Archaemenian Emperor
Claim to Fame: Ruler
of the Persian Empire, First Declaration of Human Rights,
Military Prowess & Mercy
|
Biography
Early Years:
His name
was Kourosh (or Khorvash, meaning "like the sun").
His enemies called him Cyrus (the Greek transliteration).
Cyrus's ancestors of the Achaemenid Dynasty ruled Anshan
(present day Southern Iran) for a few generations. In
559 BC, Cyrus succeeded his father Cambyses (Kambiz)
as the ruler of Anshan.  In
addition, Cyrus also managed to succeed Arsames in the
throne of Persia thus combining
the two territoies. The Median Empire still oversaw the
lands which he controlled through the overlord Astyages,
who was Cyrus's grandfather. Cyrus reportedly revolted
in 554 BC and by 550 BC his armies had captured Ecbatana
and effectively conquered Media.
Cyrus the Emperor:
Upon
his victory over the Medes, Cyrus founded a government
for his new kingdom, incorporating both Median and Persian
vazirs as civilian officials.  He started a vast conquest
of Asia Minor, leading his armies to conquer Drangiana,
Arachosia, Margiana and Bactria. Hyrcania and Parthia
were already under Median rule. By 547 BC, the Persian
Empire had conquered Lydia in the battle of Sardis, and
moved through Asia Minor.
Cyrus's army crossed the Oxus, reached the Jaxartes, and there they built
fortified towns with the object of defending the farthest frontier against
nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Cyrus did not hesitate to move west towards
Babylon and Egypt. In 539 BC, he took and made way for the Jewish Community
to return to the promised Land of Judah. The Emperor always viewed himself
as a liberator of the people, as he showed great 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.  During
his rule, Cyrus the Great issued a declaration, inscribed
on a clay barrel known as the Cyrus Charter of Human
Rights. The cylinder was discovered in 1879 in Babylon
and today
is kept in the British Museum. Many historians have said
it is the first declaration of human rights. Prior to
his death, Cyrus founded a new capital city at Pasargade
in Fars. and had established a government. He appointed
a governor (satrap) to represent him in each province,
however the administration, legistlation, and cultural
activities of each province was the responsibility of
the Satraps. Cyrus was the first to have devised a progressive
postal system, transportation system and trade rules.
He died in 580 BC in Pasargad.
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