Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay cylinder inscribed with a declaration by Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, after his conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE. Often called the "first declaration of human rights," the cylinder describes Cyrus's policy of religious tolerance, allowing exiled peoples (including the Jews) to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. The text also legitimizes Cyrus's rule by claiming he was chosen by Marduk, the chief god of Babylon, to restore order and proper worship in the city.