Cyrus (Kourosh in Persian;
Kouros in Greek) is regarded as one of the most outstanding
figures in history. His success in creating and maintaining the
Achaemenian Empire was the result of an intelligent blending of
diplomatic and military skills and his rule was tempered with
wisdom and tact. The Persians called him 'father'; the Greeks,
whom he conquered, saw him as 'a worthy ruler and lawgiver' and
the Jews regarded him as 'the Lord's anointed'.
His ideals were high, as he laid down that no
man was fit to rule unless, he was more capable than all of his
subjects. As an administrator Cyrus' insight was great, and he
showed himself both intelligent and reasonable, and thereby made
his rule easier than that of his previous conquerors.
His humanity was equaled by his freedom from
pride, which induced him to meet people on the same level,
instead of affecting the remoteness and aloofness, which
characterized the great monarchs who preceded and followed him.
History has further labeled him as a genius,
diplomat, manager, and leader of men, the first great
propagandist and able strategist. Cyrus was indeed worthy of the
title "Great".
Cyrus the Great, came to power after deposing
the Median king Astyages in 550 BC. After a series of victories
over the Lydian king, Croesus, in 546 BC, and after his
successful campaign against the Babylonians in 539 BC, Cyrus
established a large empire stretching from the Mediterranean in
the west to eastern Iran, and from the Black Sea in the north to
Arabia.
Whereas security was his main concern in the
east, the immense wealth of the Greek maritime cities of the
Ionian coast complemented their value as strategic bases in the
west.
He was killed in 530 BC during a campaign in
the north-eastern part of his empire.
Xenophon in the
Cyropaedia wrote:
"He is able to extend the fear of himself
over so great a part of the world that he astonished all, and no
one attempted anything against him. He was able to inspire all
with so great a desire of pleasing him that they wished to be
governed by his opinions".
