The Achaemenid Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE.

Cyrus created the largest empire the world had yet seen, stretching from the Indus Valley to Anatolia.

He is known for his policy of tolerance and respect for the customs and religions of the peoples he conquered.

The Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient clay artifact, describes his conquest of Babylon and his policy of repatriating displaced peoples.

He famously allowed the Jewish people, who had been exiled in Babylon, to return to Judah and rebuild their temple.

His conquests included the powerful Median, Lydian, and Neo-Babylonian empires.

Cyrus established a system of provincial governors known as satraps to administer his vast empire.

He also created a sophisticated road system, like the Royal Road, and a postal service to facilitate communication.

His capital city was at Pasargadae, and he was later buried there in a modest tomb.

Cyrus's enlightened rule earned him a reputation as an ideal monarch, respected even by the Greeks.