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Cyrus The Great: The King Who Changed the World

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Cyrus the Great: Makers of History

by Jacob Abbott

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	146 pages

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the largest empires in history. He was a brilliant military strategist and a wise ruler who is still revered today for his justice and tolerance.

Early Life

Cyrus was born in 590 BC in Anshan, Persia. He was the son of Cambyses I, the king of Anshan, and Mandane, the daughter of Astyages, the king of Media. Cyrus was raised in the royal court of Media, where he received a traditional Persian education. He was taught to ride horses, shoot arrows, and fight with a sword. He also learned about history, philosophy, and religion.

Rise to Power

In 559 BC, Cyrus rebelled against his grandfather, Astyages. He led a Persian army into Media and defeated Astyages in battle. Cyrus then became the king of Media and Persia. He set out to conquer the rest of the Persian Empire, and by 539 BC, he had conquered all of Persia, as well as parts of Babylonia, Lydia, and Egypt.

The Achaemenid Empire

The Achaemenid Empire was one of the largest empires in history. It stretched from the Indus River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. The empire was divided into 20 satrapies, or provinces, each of which was ruled by a satrap, or governor. The satraps were responsible for collecting taxes, administering justice, and maintaining order.

Cyrus was a wise and tolerant ruler. He allowed the people of his empire to practice their own religions and customs. He also encouraged trade and commerce. The Achaemenid Empire was a prosperous and peaceful empire, and it lasted for over 200 years.

Military Campaigns

Cyrus was a brilliant military strategist. He used a variety of tactics to defeat his enemies, including cavalry charges, infantry formations, and siege warfare. He was also known for his mercy and generosity to his defeated enemies. He often allowed them to keep their lands and titles, and he sometimes even married their daughters.

Cyrus's most famous military campaign was his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. Babylon was one of the greatest cities in the world, and it was defended by a large and powerful army. However, Cyrus was able to defeat the Babylonians in battle and capture the city. He then declared himself the king of Babylon and allowed the Jewish people to return to their homeland.

Death and Legacy

Cyrus died in battle in 530 BC. He was succeeded by his son, Cambyses II. The Achaemenid Empire continued to grow and prosper under Cambyses and his successors. However, the empire eventually declined and was conquered by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.

Cyrus the Great is still revered today as one of the greatest rulers in history. He was a brilliant military strategist, a wise and tolerant ruler, and a just and merciful conqueror. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Cyrus the Great was a remarkable ruler who changed the course of history. He founded one of the largest empires in history, and he ruled with justice and tolerance. He was a brilliant military strategist and a wise and generous conqueror. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Cyrus the Great: Makers of History

by Jacob Abbott

4.3 out of 5