Cyrus Cylinder

When Cyrus, the greatest ruler ever appointed by God, overthrows Babylon, he amazingly frees all his captives, and they are all allowed to return to their homes and countries. He permits them to reclaim their statues and gods and objects that had been taken as signs of victory and return to their previous lifestyles and beliefs, to continue to worship their gods in accordance with their own traditions and in their own temples. This distinguishes the Cyrus Cylinder from a variety of other historic artifacts. The message is one of multiculturalism, tolerance, and peace. 2600 years later, the Cyrus Cylinder continues to bring individuals of many ages, cultures, and religions together in valuing the wisdom of tolerance.