Edict of Cyrus

Edict of Cyrus
Name	Edict of Cyrus
Date	539 BCE
Location	Babylon, Neo-Babylonian Empire
Language	Akkadian

Edict of Cyrus

The Edict of Cyrus, also known as the Declaration of Cyrus, was a proclamation issued by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, in 539 BCE. This edict allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Second Temple after their exile in Babylon. The Edict of Cyrus is a significant document in the history of Ancient Babylon and the Jewish people, as it marked the beginning of the end of the Babylonian exile and the restoration of Jewish worship.

Background

The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under the rule of Nabopolassar and his successors, had conquered the Kingdom of Judah in 586 BCE, leading to the exile of many Jews to Babylon. The Neo-Babylonian Empire was eventually conquered by the Achaemenid Empire under Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE. Cyrus, who was known for his tolerant and pragmatic approach to governance, issued the Edict of Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to their homeland.

The Edict

The Edict of Cyrus was written in Akkadian, the official language of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, on a clay tablet. The edict was issued in the first year of Cyrus' rule over Babylon, in 539 BCE. The text of the edict is recorded in the Book of Ezra in the Hebrew Bible, and it is also known from other ancient sources, including the Cyrus Cylinder. The edict declared that the Jews could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, and that they would be given financial support and protection by the Achaemenid Empire.

Historical Significance

The Edict of Cyrus is significant not only for its impact on the Jewish people but also for its broader implications for the development of Western civilization. It is considered one of the earliest examples of a charter of human rights, as it granted the Jews the freedom to practice their religion and rebuild their temple. The Edict of Cyrus also marked the beginning of the Achaemenid Empire's policy of religious tolerance, which was a hallmark of the empire's governance.

Impact on the Jews

The Edict of Cyrus had a profound impact on the Jewish people, as it allowed them to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple after decades of exile. The edict marked the beginning of the Second Temple period, which lasted until the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. The Edict of Cyrus also had a significant impact on the development of Judaism, as it allowed the Jews to re-establish their religious practices and traditions.

Archaeological Evidence

The Cyrus Cylinder, which is a clay cylinder inscribed with the text of the Edict of Cyrus, is one of the most important archaeological artifacts from the Achaemenid Empire. The cylinder was discovered in 1879 by Henry Rawlinson and is now housed in the British Museum. The Cyrus Cylinder is significant not only for its historical importance but also for its linguistic and cultural significance, as it provides evidence of the Achaemenid Empire's use of Akkadian as a diplomatic language.

Legacy and Influence

The Edict of Cyrus has had a lasting impact on the development of human rights and religious freedom. It has been cited as an example of a charter of human rights by scholars and historians, and it has influenced the development of Western philosophy and politics. The Edict of Cyrus is also celebrated by the Jewish people as a symbol of their liberation from exile and their return to their homeland.

Category:Ancient Babylon Category:Achaemenid Empire Category:Jewish history Category:Human rights Category:Religious freedom