Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire. Under his rule, the empire embraced all the previous civilized states of the ancient Near East, expanded vastly and eventually conquered most of Western Asia and much of Central Asia. From the Mediterranean Sea and Hellespont in the west to the Indus River in the east, Cyrus the Great created the largest empire the world had yet seen.

Early Life

Cyrus was born and raised in Persis, also known as Persia, in southwestern Iran. The names of his father and mother are not known, but he was a descendant of the Achaemenid dynasty. He overthrew the Median confederation, a significant event in reclaiming the hegemony of the Persians in Iran.

Reign

Cyrus the Great's reign lasted between 29 and 31 years. Cyrus built his empire by conquering first the Median Empire, then the Lydian Empire, and eventually the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He led an expedition into Central Asia, which resulted in major campaigns that were described as having brought "into subjection every nation without exception".

Legacy

Cyrus the Great's remains were interred in his capital city of Pasargadae, where today a limestone tomb (built around 540–530 BC) still exists which many believe to be his. He was succeeded by his son, Cambyses II, who managed to add to the empire by conquering Egypt, Nubia, and Cyrenaica during his short rule.

See Also

• Achaemenid Empire
• Cambyses II
• Pasargadae

References

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