Cyrus the Great, also known as Cyrus II of Persia, was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire around 600–530 BC

. He came from Persis and rose to power by defeating the Median Empire, subsequently conquering Lydia and the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which expanded his empire across most of West Asia and parts of Central Asia, making it the largest empire of its time

. He is renowned for his policy of tolerance and respect for the customs and religions of the peoples he conquered, allowing them to maintain their traditions and governance structures

. This approach earned him a reputation as a benevolent conqueror. Notably, he is celebrated in Jewish history for freeing the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and facilitating their return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Second Temple, an event described in the Hebrew Bible where he is even called a "messiah" by the prophet Isaiah

. Cyrus was also a skilled military strategist and administrator, uniting the Medes and Persians and establishing a centralized administration with satraps (provincial governors) to govern his vast empire

. His governance innovations included respect for local traditions, use of both Median and Persian officials, and the introduction of administrative systems like postal services and coinage

. His legacy influenced not only Persian history but also the broader ancient world, including Greek and later Western civilizations

. In summary, Cyrus the Great was a pioneering empire builder, a tolerant and just ruler, and a key figure in the history of Iran, the ancient Near East, and the Jewish people