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Cyrus the Great

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Monarch

The Resume

    (circa 599 BC-530 BC)
    Born in Anshan, Iran
    Also known as Cyrus II of Persia
    Conquered most of the Middle East and Central Asia
    Founder of the Achaemenid Empire

Why he might be annoying:

    He launched his first military campaign against his maternal grandfather, Astyages, King of the Medes.
    To further unify the Median and Persian kingdoms after defeating Astyages, he married Astyages’ daughter Amytis – who was also Cyrus’ aunt.
    The titles he gave himself included ‘Great King,’ ‘King of Kings,’ and ‘King of the Four Corners of the World.’
    Ancient historians differ on whether or not he died in battle.

Why he might not be annoying:

    The empire he created was larger than any previous one.
    He allowed the nations he conquered to keep their customs and religions.
    He allowed the Jews exiled by Nebuchadnezzar to return to Israel.
    The Book of Isaiah claimed he was anointed by God.
    The Greek historian Xenophon praised him as an ideal ruler.
    His tomb at Pasargadae is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 101 Votes: 61.39% Annoying