Empire 97. Cyrus the Great: Building the First Superpower
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Nov 14, 2023 Join historian Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, author of "Persians: The Age of the Great Kings," as he unpacks the life of Cyrus the Great, the architect of the first superpower. Discover how Cyrus unified diverse territories, employing strategies of cultural tolerance and effective infrastructure. The conversation explores the significance of Cyrus’s legacy, his early life amidst nomadic tribes, and the complex interplay of terms like "Iran" and "Persia." Delve into his military conquests and their impact on ancient Babylon, illustrating how his ideals resonate even today.
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Cyrus's Origin Story
- Cyrus's origin story shares similarities with those of Zeus and Krishna, involving dreams, abandonment, and upbringing by a shepherd.
- Other versions involve being raised by a dog or having parents who are a goat herd and a bandit.
Propaganda in Origin Stories
- Multiple origin stories for Cyrus existed, appealing to different groups within his growing empire.
- Some stories emphasized his Persian heritage, while others connected him to Median royalty for political reasons.
Persian Education
- Persian boys received a unique education focused on horsemanship, archery, and truthfulness (arta).
- Arta, meaning truth, honesty, also implied recognizing authority, both human and divine, as a moral code.
