Cyrus the Great: Father of Iran

Cyrus II, known as Cyrus the Great (circa 600–530 BCE), stands as one of the most remarkable figures in human history. He was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, which at its height formed the largest empire the world had ever seen.

Biography

Origins and Lineage

Cyrus descended from the house of Achaemenes (Hakhamanish), the great ancestor of the Persian royal family. His father was Cambyses I, King of Anshan (a region of Persia), and his mother was Mandane, daughter of Astyages, the last king of Media.

According to Herodotus, Astyages had a dream that his grandson would one day rule all of Asia. Fearing this prophecy, he ordered the infant killed, but Cyrus was saved by a shepherd and raised among common people—a classic hero's origin story.

Rise to Power

In 559 BCE, Cyrus ascended to the throne of Anshan. This year serves as the epoch of the Imperial Calendar.

Conquests and Empire Building

The Median Empire (550 BCE)

In 553 BCE, Cyrus rebelled against his maternal grandfather, Astyages. After three years of war, he conquered Ecbatana in 550 BCE and absorbed the Median Empire into his realm.

The Kingdom of Lydia (547 BCE)

Croesus, the fabulously wealthy king of Lydia (in modern Turkey), went to war with Cyrus. Through a surprise winter campaign, Cyrus captured Sardis, the Lydian capital. The famous phrase "rich as Croesus" originates from this era.

The Neo-Babylonian Empire (539 BCE)

Cyrus's most significant conquest was Babylon. The great city, with its legendary walls, fell to Cyrus without bloodshed. Historical accounts suggest that the people of Babylon, dissatisfied with their king Nabonidus, welcomed Cyrus as a liberator.

The Cyrus Cylinder: First Human Rights Charter

After conquering Babylon, Cyrus issued a famous decree inscribed on a clay cylinder. Known as the Cyrus Cylinder, this document is now housed in the British Museum.

Contents of the Charter

The Cyrus Cylinder contains fundamental principles that have led to its recognition as the first human rights charter in history:

• Religious freedom: All people are free to worship their own gods

• Return of exiles: Displaced peoples may return to their homelands

• Temple restoration: Destroyed temples shall be rebuilt

• Abolition of forced labor: Slavery and forced labor are prohibited

• Cultural respect: Local cultures and customs are to be honored

The Jews and Cyrus

One of the most significant consequences of Cyrus's decree was the liberation of Jews from Babylonian captivity. Cyrus permitted the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild Solomon's Temple. For this reason, in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), Cyrus is called God's "Messiah" (anointed one).

Why Cyrus as the Calendar Epoch?

The selection of Cyrus's coronation year (559 BCE) as the epoch of the Imperial Calendar was based on several compelling reasons:

1. Symbol of National Unity

Cyrus was the first to unite the various Iranian peoples (Persians, Medes, Parthians, and others) under a single banner.

2. Human Rights Legacy

The Cyrus Cylinder represents humanitarian values and tolerance that distinguish Iran in world history.

3. First World Empire

The Achaemenid Empire stretched from Egypt to India and from Central Asia to Greece—the first true "world empire" in history.

4. Civilizational Continuity

Choosing Cyrus emphasized the 2,500-year continuity of Iranian civilization.

The 2,500-Year Celebrations

In October 1971 (Mehr 1350), magnificent celebrations marking 2,500 years of the Persian monarchy were held at Persepolis. This historic event:

• Hosted leaders from 69 countries

• Was held among the ruins of Darius and Xerxes's palaces

• Was one of the most lavish celebrations of the 20th century

• Reignited interest in ancient heritage and the Imperial Calendar

At the tomb of Cyrus in Pasargadae, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi addressed the spirit of Cyrus with the famous words: "Cyrus, rest in peace, for we are awake."

Enduring Legacy

Cyrus the Great remains an inspirational figure after 25 centuries:

• United Nations: A replica of the Cyrus Cylinder is displayed at UN headquarters

• Iranians: October 29 (7 Aban) is celebrated as Cyrus the Great Day

• World history: Cyrus is recognized as a model of just governance and tolerance

The choice of his coronation as the epoch of the Imperial Calendar pays tribute to the eternal legacy of this great Persian king, whose vision of human dignity and cultural respect continues to resonate across millennia.