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The Legend of Cyrus: Why Was He So Welcomed by the People of Babylon?
In 539 BC, the Persian King Cyrus the Great successfully conquered Babylon and recorded this historical event on an ancient clay cylinder called the "Cyrus Cylinder". This clay cylinder was discovered in the ruins of Babylon in 1879 and is now kept in the British Museum. The contents of this artifact not only demonstrate Cyrus's personal mythical kingship, but also reflect his tolerance and respect for the people of Babylon, explaining why he was so warmly welcomed when he entered this ancient city.
"I, Cyrus, am the king of the world, the great king, the king of Persia, the king of Babylon. This is the identity chosen by God. My kingship is loved and protected by the gods."
Written in Akkadian cuneiform, the Cyrus Cylinder begins with a fierce attack on the previous king of Babylon, Nabonidus, accusing him of being an impious ruler who had desecrated many temples and imposed cruel labor on the people. Such a description clearly established Cyrus's righteousness and marked his unquestionable and legitimate status as king.
"Because of Nabonidus's crimes, the god Marduk chose me, Cyrus, to be the new king."
Cyrus gained power not only through military conquest but also by winning the hearts and minds of the people through his actions that he claimed to be restoring peace. The cylinder details his efforts to repair the walls of Babylon, rebuild the temple, and restore the exiled people to their homeland. These policies demonstrated his respect for Babylonian culture and made the local people feel the order and prosperity that a new king would bring.
"I brought peace and increased worship of the gods."
Cyrus' wisdom was that he understood the importance of different cultures and religious beliefs in this land. He ruled the country with respect and tolerance, allowing all ethnic groups to live and work in peace under his rule. This was relatively rare in the autocratic monarchy of the time, and the Babylonians therefore expressed deep gratitude for his easygoing attitude and respect.
According to historians, Cyrus' image to the Babylonian people was more like a philanthropist than a simple conqueror. His reign meant an end to the brutal rule of Nabonidus and allowed people to regain their lost culture and faith. This new policy not only helped to improve public opinion, but also enabled him to gain the support and advocacy of the Babylonian people.
"Cyrus was the king who set us free, and his reign brought hope and light."
Combined with the belief system described in the Cyrus Cylinder, the king not only received divine approval from Marduk, but also won the respect of the people. His presence as a prophet, delivering a commitment to fairness and justice, greatly enhanced his prestige.
However, the Cyrus Cylinder has also sparked controversy in modern interpretations. Some historians point out that although the "multiculturalism" and "religious tolerance" called for in the cylinder text correspond to some concepts of modern human rights to some extent, it is extremely controversial to regard it as the "first chapter of human rights." This idea has often been ignored or ridiculed throughout history and has never gained broad consensus.
Since its discovery in the 19th century, the Cyrus Cylinder has become an important object symbolizing human civilization and multiculturalism. Many people regard it as "a legacy of human understanding, tolerance and courage", which is undoubtedly the historical influence of Cyrus. His story inspires future generations, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and respect for others.
"Cyrus symbolizes an ideal way of governing that respects every culture and belief."
The legend of Cyrus remains inspiring today, especially in the context of increasingly serious political divisions and cultural conflicts today, his philosophy of governing the country may show another possibility. How should we understand the legacy of this ancient ruler to promote civilized coexistence in modern society?
