The Cyrus Cylinder is one of the best-known surviving texts from the Achaemenid Persian Empire (c. 550–332 BCE), due almost entirely to its proposed connection to the return of the Judean exiles and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple as recorded in the Book of Ezra. However, beyond its biblical connection, the Cyrus Cylinder is a rather standard inscription, closely resembling many that came before it. So, what is the Cyrus Cylinder and how does it relate to the history and world of the Bible?I noted the first part here. This essay gives a nice overview of the Cyrus Cylinder, taking into account the latest developments.This is the second part of an exclusive Bible History Daily series on historical texts that are important for understanding the history and world of the Bible.
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For many PaleoJudaica posts on Cyrus and the Cyrus Cylinder, start here and follow the links.
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