Who was Cyrus the Great?

Who was Cyrus the Great?

Cyrus the Persian, later known as ‘the Great’ was one of the greatest warriors of the ancient world. This military genius forged a band of ill equipped men into superb Army, which went on to establish the first truly great empire in civilization. Cyrus first led his men against Astyages of Media (551 BC) and then against Lydia (546 BC), the city of King Croesus whose name even today is synonymous with great wealth. Cyrus then moved to attack Babylon, which was ruled by Nabonidus. Nabonidus had offended the priests of the god Bel Marduk by bringing in other gods. Cyrus arrived at the mighty walls of the great city in 538 BC. After a brief skirmish, Cyrus and his men entered the city without fighting, helped by local priests. Though a conqueror, Cyrus proved to be a just and humane ruler. He respected local customs and religions, and even allowed the long-exiled Jews to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem

Where was the greatest city of the Ancient World?

Where was the greatest city of the Ancient World?
Babylon, meaning the ‘Gate of God’ was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. It was situated in Mesopotamia, a fertile plain between the Tigris and Euphrates River, 90 kms south of Baghdad, Iraq.


Hammurabi was the most famous of Babylon’s kings. He is believed to have ascended the throne in 1792 BC. During the reigns of Hammurabi and his son Samsu-iluna, Babylonian civilization reached the heights of its cultural development and political power. The world’s first standing Army was raised by Hammurabi. Rival cities were attacked and conquered, one by one. In time, he became master of the whole Mesopotamia. The laws codified by Hammurabi have won great fame