Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Cyrus the Great

Embark on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of Cyrus the Great with our carefully curated reading list, which delves deep into the annals of ancient history to unravel the enigmatic figure of this Persian king.

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Explore the seminal works of renowned historians such as Herodotus, Xenophon, and the Babylonian Chronicle, which offer invaluable accounts of Cyrus’s conquests, governance, and diplomatic acumen. Delve into modern scholarship by leading experts like Sancisi-Weerdenburg, Briant, and Waters, who provide nuanced insights into Cyrus’s reign and its enduring impact on the ancient world. From deciphering the Cyrus Cylinder’s proclamation of religious tolerance to analyzing his military campaigns and administrative reforms, these scholarly works offer a multifaceted exploration of one of history’s most celebrated leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or an avid history enthusiast, our reading list invites you to unravel the complex tapestry of Cyrus’s achievements and legacy, illuminating the enduring influence of this visionary ruler on the course of human history.

General

  • Briant, P., From Cyrus to Alexander: a history of the Persian Empire, Winona Lake IN, 2002, 13-50.
  • Waters, M.W., Ancient Persia: a concise history of the Achaemenid Empire, 550-330 BCE, New York, 2014, Ch 3.

Further Reading

  • Drews, R., ‘Sargon, Cyrus and Mesopotamian Folk History’ in Journal of Near Eastern Studies 33, 1974, 387-393.
  • Finkel, I.L., The Cyrus cylinder: the King of Persia’s proclamation from ancient Babylon, London, 2013.
  • Kurht, A., ‘The Cyrus Cylinder and Achaemenid Imperial Policy’ in Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 25, 1983, 83-97.
  • Kurht, A., ‘Making history: Sargon of Agade and Cyrus the Great of Persia’ in Achaemenid history: essays in memory of Heleen Sancisi-Weerdenburg, 13: A Persian perspective, Leiden, 2003, 347-361.
  • Sancisi-Weerdenburg, H., ‘Was there ever a Median empire?’ in Achaemenid history: 3: Method and theory : proceedings of the London 1985 Achaemenid History Workshop, Leiden, 1988, 197-212.
  • Sancisi-Weerdenburg, H., ‘The orality of Herodotus’ Medikos logos, or The Median Empire revisited’ in Achaemenid history: 8: Continuity and change : proceedings of the last Achaemenid History Workshop April 6-8, 1990 – Ann Arbor, Michigan, Leiden, 1994, 39-55.
  • Stronach, D., ‘The tomb of Cyrus’ in Pasargadae, Oxford, 1978, 24-43.
  • Tuplin, C., ‘Medes in Media, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia: Empire, Hegemony, Domination or Illusion’ in Ancient West and East 3, 2004, 223-251.
  • Waters, M.W., ‘Cyrus and the Achaemenids’ in Iran 42, 2004, 91-102.
  • Waters, M.W., ‘Cyrus and the Medes’ in The world of Achaemenid Persia: history, art and society in Iran and the ancient near East, London, 2010, 63-75.