In Our Time: Cyrus the Great BBC Radio 4, Hosted by Melvyn Bragg
Introduction
In the April 10, 2025 episode of BBC Radio 4's In Our Time, host Melvyn Bragg delves into the life and legacy of Cyrus II of Persia, commonly known as Cyrus the Great. Joined by experts Martin Akandapur from Oxford University, Lynette Mitchell from Exeter University, and Lindsay Allen from King's College London, the discussion unpacks Cyrus's rise to power, his expansive conquests, his portrayal in various historical texts, and his enduring legacy.
Early Life and Rise to Power
The episode begins with Lindsay Allen setting the historical context of Cyrus's emergence in the 6th century BCE within the ancient kingdom of Elam, located in present-day Iran.
"[...] Cyrus emerges in the historical record in a series of texts produced in Babylonia in the 6th century BCE... from a dynasty that may have been somewhat a sort of newly emerging power in this region."
— Lindsay Allen [02:27]
Allen explains that Cyrus hailed from Anshan in Persis (modern Iran) and rose during a period of significant political flux, inheriting a blend of ancient traditions and new dynastic power.
Conquests and Expansion of the Persian Empire
The conversation shifts to Cyrus's military campaigns, particularly his conquest of Lydia's capital, Sardis.
"He used camels to frighten the Lydian cavalry. So the smell of the camels apparently was strong and the horses shied away."
— Lindsay Allen [11:38]
This strategic use of camels led to the fall of Sardis after a two-week siege. Martin Akandapur adds that Cyrus's conquest of Babylon was marked by strategic acumen, capturing the city during a major religious festival when defenses were lax.
"He prided himself on the city and he later coronated himself as king of Babylon... he has just let them get on with it."
— Martin Akandapur [19:54]
Portrayals by Herodotus and Xenophon
Lynette Mitchell explores how Greek historians Herodotus and Xenophon depicted Cyrus, highlighting the blend of historical fact and legend.
"Herodotus... gives us a story about Cyrus being the grandson of the king of the Medes... it's a story that is being drawn out of a very sort of Near Eastern storytelling culture."
— Melvin Bragg [05:14]
Xenophon's Cyropedia presents Cyrus as an ideal ruler, emphasizing his ability to secure the loyalty of his subjects through both rewards and discipline.
"The best leader manages to secure the willing obedience of his subjects by rewarding them when they're good... it's about how a good leader will acquire the willing obedience of his subjects."
— Melvin Bragg [07:05]
The Cyrus Cylinder and Administration
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Cyrus Cylinder, an ancient artifact that some consider the first declaration of human rights.
"The Cyrus cylinder is one of these. It's a slightly odd one because it's Assyrianizing in character rather than Babylonian in character."
— Melvin Bragg [22:17]
Lindsay Allen and Martin Akandapur explain its role in legitimizing Cyrus’s rule over Babylon by aligning with previous kings and highlighting his respect for Babylonian traditions.
"Cyrus is in dialogue with not only previous kings of Babylon, but he's also in dialogue with a previous constructive conqueror of Babylon."
— Lindsay Allen [23:47]
Cyrus in the Hebrew Bible
Lynette Mitchell and Lindsay Allen discuss Cyrus's positive portrayal in the Hebrew Bible, where he is depicted as a liberator who allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple.
"The Hebrew Bible portrays Cyrus as a memory. In a way, he is a model of how well the Jewish community can do under empire."
— Lindsay Allen [32:27]
They highlight that this portrayal aligns with themes of restoration and divine approval found in both the Cyrus Cylinder and biblical texts.
Legacy and Reputation Through the Ages
The experts delve into how Cyrus's legacy has been shaped over millennia, from ancient historians to modern leaders.
"As an Iranian growing up in Iran, you get a lot of very nationalistic people fond of Cyrus memory."
— Martin Akandapur [30:15]
Martin Akandapur shares personal anecdotes about Cyrus's enduring influence, emphasizing his role as an emblem of imperial greatness and benevolent leadership.
"Cyrus is a model of previous models of kingship supplemented with later models of kingship, all rolled together."
— Lindsay Allen [37:28]
Archaeological Evidence and Discoveries
The panel reviews the archaeological remnants of Cyrus's empire, including his capital at Pasargadae and fragments of his inscriptions.
"The ruins of his capital in what is now Farce Province in Iran is called Pasargadae."
— Martin Akandapur [26:20]
They discuss ongoing excavations and recent discoveries that continue to shed light on Cyrus's administrative prowess and cultural policies.
Later Reception and Cultural Impact
The conversation moves to Cyrus's influence in later periods, notably his appropriation by figures like Alexander the Great and in modern Iranian nationalism.
"Alexander... is really a later one of these dominant kings who is trying to link himself with Cyrus II."
— Lindsay Allen [29:22]
Melvin Bragg recounts how Cyrus's image was manipulated for political purposes, such as by Darius I and even the Shah of Iran in the 20th century.
"They have just picked the ones that are suitable for their purposes... The Shah invoked Cyrus in Pasargadae and in Persepolis."
— Melvin Bragg [40:01]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with reflections on the complexities of Cyrus's legacy, blending historical conquest with legendary benevolence. The panelists agree that while Cyrus the Great was undeniably a formidable conqueror, his reputation as a just and tolerant ruler has been shaped by a combination of historical records and enduring legends.
"Cyrus was a very good conqueror... alongside his genius of letting people rule their own lands, as we talked about before..."
— Martin Akandapur [35:14]
This nuanced portrayal underscores Cyrus's multifaceted role in shaping not only the Persian Empire but also the historical and cultural narratives that persist to this day.
Notable Quotes
- Lindsay Allen [02:27]: "Cyrus emerges in the historical record in a series of texts produced in Babylonia in the 6th century BCE."
- Lindsay Allen [11:38]: "He used camels to frighten the Lydian cavalry. So the smell of the camels apparently was strong and the horses shied away."
- Melvin Bragg [05:14]: "It's a story that is being drawn out of a very sort of Near Eastern storytelling culture."
- Lindsay Allen [23:47]: "Cyrus is in dialogue with not only previous kings of Babylon, but he's also in dialogue with a previous constructive conqueror of Babylon."
- Lindsay Allen [32:27]: "The Hebrew Bible portrays Cyrus as a memory. In a way, he is a model of how well the Jewish community can do under empire."
- Martin Akandapur [35:14]: "Cyrus was a very good conqueror... alongside his genius of letting people rule their own lands."
Further Listening
Next week on In Our Time, Melvyn Bragg will explore the life of Thomas Middleton, the son of a bricklayer who became one of the most successful and prolific playwrights of the Jacobean age. Stay tuned for another enlightening discussion.