---
title: The Cyrus Cylinder
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# The Cyrus Cylinder

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![The Cyrus Cylinder](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4822.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4822.jpg)

## Image Caption

This clay tablet dates back to the reign of the [Achaemenid](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Achaemenid/) king [Cyrus the Great](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyrus_the_Great/), who ruled Iran between 550-530 BCE. The cylinder describes the king's peaceful capture of the [city](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) of [Babylon](https://www.worldhistory.org/babylon/) in the year 539 BCE and he how built the main [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) there. The text claims that [Cyrus](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Cyrus/) restored temples in the neighboring [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) and returned deported people to their homes. With reference to his just and peaceful rule, this cylinder has been referred to as an early charter of human rights. From Babylon, [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. Mid-6th century BCE. (The British Museum, London)

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, April 11). The Cyrus Cylinder. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Cyrus Cylinder." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 11, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "The Cyrus Cylinder." *World History Encyclopedia*, 11 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4822/the-cyrus-cylinder/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 11 April 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.