What was Cyrus the Great known for regarding the peoples he conquered?

Cyrus the Great is particularly renowned for his policies of tolerance and respect towards the peoples he conquered. After taking control of Babylon, he implemented a policy that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple, which marked a significant moment in Jewish history. This act demonstrated his commitment to religious freedom and a degree of autonomy for the diverse populations within his empire.

Additionally, Cyrus is often celebrated for the issuance of the Cyrus Cylinder, which exemplifies his approach to governance that valued the customs and religions of different communities. His leadership contrasted sharply with that of other rulers who enforced harsh rule and cultural assimilation. Through these acts, Cyrus earned a reputation as a liberator rather than merely a conqueror, and his legacy left a lasting impact on the concept of tolerance in governance.