Cyrus (c. 600 BC – 529 BC), founder of the Persian Empire, preeminent military leader and statesman of antiquity.
The Persian Empire he founded, stretching from the Aegean sea and the Mediterranean coast in the west to the present-day Syr Darya River in the east, laid the foundation for the formation of the first great empire in world history to span Europe, Asia and Africa.
He practiced a generous and enlightened politics, respected the religious feelings of the people of the conquered areas, and never imposed the religion of the Persians on them.
He allowed the "Babylonian prisoner" (the Jews) to return home, in a sense influencing the history and destiny of the Jews.
(Excerpt, infringement is deleted)