The+Cyrus+Cylinder


 * What:** Was an inscription written on behalf of Cyrus on a clay cylinder to the god Marduk
 * When:** ~540BC
 * Significance:**
 * Describes Cyrus' take-over of Babylon, and justifies it as the "right" thing to do
 * Says Marduk, the chief Babylon god, was on Cyrus' side, was happy that Cyrus took over
 * Babylonian citizens "overjoyed" at Cyrus' approach
 * Declares himself king of Babylon
 * Says he did good to the Babylonians by dethroning Nabonidus
 * Denounced Nabonidus as king no more of Babylon
 * Highlights the role of ideological power in justifying imperial conquests
 * Accepts Bel, Marduk, and Nebo (all Babylonian gods) as coequals