Shortly after Cyrus took Babylon in 539 B.C., this cylinder was formed out of clay, and while it was still wet, 45 lines of a royal decree issued by Cyrus were impressed into its surface in cuneiform.

Ruled by Hammurabi, restored by Nebuchadrezzar, conquered by Cyrus—this city in the heart of Mesopotamia was both desired and despised, placing it at the center stage of the dawn of history.

CYRUS THE GREAT (309 pp.)—Harold Lamb—Doubleday—($4.50). The wily moneylender was puzzled by his casual conversation with the two strange horsemen who had ridden into Babylon that day in 539 ...

A discussion of the life and legacy of Cyrus the Great, who is said to have destroyed Babylon and enabled the Jews to rebuild the temple at Jerusalem - a contested story. Show more Melvyn Bragg ...