Cyrus Cylinder

Cyrus Cylinder

"...I am Cyrus. King of the world. When I entered Babylon...I did not allow anyone to terrorize the land...I kept in view the needs of the people and all its sanctuaries to promote their well-being...I put an end to their misfortune. The Great God has delivered all the lands into my hand; the lands that I have made to dwell in a peaceful habitation..."

According to the cuneiform on the Cyrus Cylinder, he was favored by Marduk and the other gods who wanted Nabonidus and Belshazzar dethroned and who assisted him in his quest. He reestablished their religious practices and was a very benevolent and liberal ruler. He was responsible for the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of their temple.