Cyrus Cylinder

Cyrus Cylinder
Name	Cyrus Cylinder
Caption	The Cyrus Cylinder at the British Museum
Material	Clay
Size	22.5 cm x 10 cm
Created	539 BC
Discovered	1879
Present location	British Museum

Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus Cylinder is a significant archaeological artifact from the Achaemenid Empire, created in 539 BC, during the reign of Cyrus the Great. It is a clay cylinder inscribed with a declaration by Cyrus, announcing his conquest of Babylon and his policies for the newly conquered territories. The cylinder is important not only for its historical significance but also for its insights into the culture and politics of the Ancient Near East. As a symbol of the Achaemenid Empire's tolerant and inclusive approach to governance, the Cyrus Cylinder has been recognized by the United Nations as an ancient declaration of human rights.

Introduction to the Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus Cylinder is a remarkable example of ancient Mesopotamian literature and a testament to the advanced civilization of the Achaemenid Empire. The cylinder is written in Akkadian cuneiform script and describes the conquest of Babylon by Cyrus the Great in 539 BC. It also outlines Cyrus' policies for the newly conquered territories, including the restoration of temples and the return of displaced peoples to their homes. The cylinder is significant not only for its historical content but also for its insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Ancient Near East. Scholars such as Herodotus and Xenophon have written about the conquest of Babylon and the reign of Cyrus the Great, providing valuable context for understanding the Cyrus Cylinder.

Historical Context in Ancient Babylon

The Cyrus Cylinder was created in the context of the Achaemenid Empire's conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. At that time, Babylon was a major city in the Ancient Near East, known for its advanced culture and learning. The city was an important center of trade and commerce, and its Babylonian Empire had a long history of conquest and expansion. The Achaemenid Empire, under the leadership of Cyrus the Great, was a rising power in the region, and its conquest of Babylon marked a significant turning point in the history of the Ancient Near East. The Cyrus Cylinder reflects the Achaemenid Empire's tolerant and inclusive approach to governance, which allowed for the coexistence of different cultures and religions. This approach is evident in the cylinder's declaration of support for the Babylonian Marduk cult and the restoration of temples throughout the empire.

Discovery and Significance

The Cyrus Cylinder was discovered in 1879 by the Assyriologist Hormuzd Rassam in the Esagila temple in Babylon. The discovery was a significant archaeological find, as it provided valuable insights into the history and culture of the Achaemenid Empire. The cylinder was acquired by the British Museum in 1880 and has since been recognized as one of the most important artifacts in the museum's collection. The Cyrus Cylinder has been the subject of extensive study and research, with scholars such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson recognizing its significance as an ancient declaration of human rights. The cylinder's inscription has been translated and published by scholars such as Edwin Norris and Henry Rawlinson, providing a valuable resource for understanding the history and culture of the Ancient Near East.

Inscription and Content

The Cyrus Cylinder is inscribed with a declaration by Cyrus the Great, announcing his conquest of Babylon and his policies for the newly conquered territories. The inscription is written in Akkadian cuneiform script and consists of 45 lines of text. The cylinder declares that Cyrus the Great is the rightful ruler of Babylon and that he has been appointed by the Babylonian god Marduk to rule over the city. The inscription also outlines Cyrus' policies for the newly conquered territories, including the restoration of temples and the return of displaced peoples to their homes. The cylinder's inscription has been recognized as an important example of ancient Mesopotamian literature and has been studied by scholars such as Paul-Alain Beaulieu and Amélie Kuhrt.

Impact on Ancient Babylonian Society

The Cyrus Cylinder had a significant impact on Ancient Babylonian society, as it marked a major turning point in the history of the city. The conquest of Babylon by the Achaemenid Empire brought an end to the Babylonian Empire and established a new era of Achaemenid rule. The cylinder's declaration of support for the Babylonian Marduk cult and the restoration of temples throughout the empire helped to promote a sense of continuity and stability in the region. The Achaemenid Empire's tolerant and inclusive approach to governance also allowed for the coexistence of different cultures and religions, promoting a sense of diversity and pluralism in the region. Scholars such as Mario Liverani and Pierre Briant have written about the impact of the Achaemenid Empire on Ancient Babylonian society, providing valuable insights into the cultural and historical context of the Cyrus Cylinder.

Preservation and Exhibition

The Cyrus Cylinder is currently housed in the British Museum, where it is considered one of the most important artifacts in the museum's collection. The cylinder has been preserved and conserved by the museum's curators and conservators, who have worked to protect the artifact from damage and deterioration. The cylinder has been exhibited in several museums and galleries around the world, including the National Museum of Iran and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The cylinder's exhibition has helped to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of the Ancient Near East, and has provided a valuable resource for scholars and researchers. The British Museum has also made the cylinder available for study and research, providing access to the artifact for scholars such as Irving Finkel and Andrew George.

Cultural and Symbolic Importance

The Cyrus Cylinder has significant cultural and symbolic importance, both in the context of the Ancient Near East and in the modern world. The cylinder's declaration of support for the Babylonian Marduk cult and the restoration of temples throughout the empire reflects the Achaemenid Empire's tolerant and inclusive approach to governance. The cylinder's recognition by the United Nations as an ancient declaration of human rights has also helped to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of human rights and dignity. The cylinder's cultural and symbolic importance has been recognized by scholars such as Abba Eban and Shirin Ebadi, who have written about the significance of the cylinder as a symbol of tolerance and inclusivity. The cylinder's importance has also been recognized by organizations such as the Iranian Cultural Heritage Organization and the UNESCO, which have worked to promote the preservation and protection of cultural heritage sites and artifacts in the Ancient Near East.