Unveiling the Legacy of Cyrus the Great.

This special issue focuses on the life, reign, and legacy of Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire (559–530 BCE), highlighting his leadership principles of justice, religious tolerance, and cultural diversity. It presents a collection of scholarly essays examining various aspects of Cyrus's rule, including his military campaigns, governance as reflected in the Cyrus Cylinder (an early human rights proclamation), and his enduring influence on Persian civilization, Judaism, and historical memory across different eras. Contributors analyze diverse perspectives on Cyrus's motivations, his portrayal in ancient sources such as Xenophon and Herodotus, and his symbolic significance in later cultural and literary contexts. The issue also addresses archaeological findings at Pasargadae and explores the etymology of Cyrus's name, emphasizing the complexity and lasting relevance of his legacy in both ancient and modern scholarship.