Cyrus Cylinder | History of the First Symbol of Human Rights + Translation

This clay tablet was written on the orders of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, in 538 BCE. In this document, Cyrus, after conquering Babylon, respects the rights of the people of Babylon and other nations under his rule. The cylinder, regarded as the first human rights charter, discusses concepts such as religious freedom, racial equality, and respect for different cultures. To learn more about the Cyrus Cylinder, join us in this exploration.

About the Cyrus Cylinder

Cyrus the Great, founder and ruler of the Achaemenid dynasty (530–550 BCE), expanded his empire from the eastern boundaries near the Indian Ocean, to the Black Sea in the north, Egypt in the west, and to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) in the south. "Nabonidus," who took over the Babylonian throne after the death of "Nebuchadnezzar," had ruled with great oppression, and Cyrus, responding to complaints from the people and the nobility of Babylon, entered Babylon and conquered the Neo-Babylonian Empire of Nabonidus.

Upon entering Babylon in 539 BCE, Cyrus issued a decree, known as the Declaration or the Cyrus Charter. This document was discovered during 19th-century archaeological excavations as a baked clay cylinder inscribed with cuneiform script, measuring 22 cm long and 11 cm wide. The Cyrus Charter is considered one of the key artifacts of the Achaemenid period and became famous as the "Cyrus Decree."

The Cyrus Cylinder is inscribed in Babylonian cuneiform script.

After analyzing the inscription and translating the Cyrus Charter, it was revealed that its content consists of two parts: one section is written by Babylonian chroniclers in the new Babylonian cuneiform (Akkadian) script, while the other part contains the decrees of Cyrus regarding the treatment of the Babylonians.

The content of the inscription, emphasizing Cyrus's peaceful treatment of the Babylonians and his respectful conduct towards the city's inhabitants, has made it famous as a symbol of freedom. The charter indicates that after conquering Babylon, Cyrus did not enslave the people, did not plunder their property, and not only did he not insult Marduk, the Babylonian god, but he also praised him and allowed the Babylonians to worship him freely.

Text of the Cyrus Cylinder

The text of the Cyrus Cylinder, written in cuneiform script, has been translated into various languages by the world’s foremost linguists. The following is considered the best translation of this inscription into Persian. The ellipses indicate broken parts of the tablet and illegible sections, while the words in parentheses have been added by translators to help readers better understand the text.

Cyrus Cylinder Text

(1) ... [built] (?)

(2) … the corners of the world.

(3) … an unprecedented injustice had been done to the sovereignty of his country.

(4) … (commanded that) grain taxes and livestock tribute be imposed upon them.

(5) (The temple) like Esangila (Esangila) [built] … for him, ur and other sacred places.

(6) With rites not fitting for them, a sacrificial offering was made that had not been before. Every day he spoke in a bold and humiliating manner and, also, by misconduct, diminished (the gods).

(7) Taking offerings to the temples was abandoned. [He (also) interfered with rites (inappropriately), sorrow and distress] joined (= within) the sacred cities. He cleansed his heart of the worship of Marduk (Marduk, the Babylonian god).

The complete translation continues with further details, where Cyrus speaks about his actions, the policies he enacted, and his respectful treatment of the gods, temples, and people of Babylon.

History of the Cyrus Cylinder

The Cyrus Cylinder was discovered in 1879 by a group of British archaeologists during excavations in Babylon (modern-day Iraq). After its discovery, it was transferred to the British Museum in London. The inscription of the cylinder was written following Cyrus's victory over Nabonidus, King of Babylon, under the command of Cyrus the Great and by the hand of a high-ranking priest, and it was placed in the Esagila temple (Marduk's temple) in Babylon.

How Was the Cyrus Cylinder Discovered?

In 1879, the Cyrus Cylinder was discovered during an excavation led by Hormuzd Rassam, an Assyrian-British archaeologist, at the ruins of the ancient city of Babylon. The cylinder was found in the ruins of the Esagila Temple, which was dedicated to the god Marduk. The cylinder was initially buried under the ruins, and its inscription was only deciphered later, revealing its significant historical importance.

What is the Symbolism of the Cyrus Cylinder?

The Cyrus Cylinder represents more than just a historical document; it symbolizes the values of respect, freedom, and tolerance. The cylinder's proclamation, which ensured the protection of religious practices and allowed displaced people to return to their homelands, is regarded as a pioneering statement of human rights.

Cyrus’s decision to return religious idols and artifacts to their rightful places was not only an act of political diplomacy but also a reflection of his respect for the diverse cultures and religions within his empire. The cylinder's text emphasizes the ideals of peace and coexistence, portraying Cyrus as a ruler who acted in favor of unity and justice.

Where is the Cyrus Cylinder Stored?

The Cyrus Cylinder is currently housed at the British Museum in London, where it is part of the museum's ancient Mesopotamian collection. The artifact has been studied extensively and remains an important symbol of ancient Persian culture and political philosophy. It has also become a subject of debate and pride for Iranians, many of whom view it as a representation of their historical contribution to human rights and governance.