In search of Cyrus the Great
“Cyrus the Great” produced by Spenta Productions, is a movie about Cyrus the Great, founder of Persian Empire. The movie tries to present the attitude of Cyrus the Great toward justice and freedom as humans' basic rights. Some of his statements- Charter of the Rights of Nations- inscribed on a clay cylinder in cuneiform (Khate Mikhi) discovered in excavation of the site of Babylon in 1878. Now the work is in the British Museum, London. A replica is also kept in the United Nation Building. Following is some of his statements:
“... I am Cyrus, King of the world. When I entered Babylon... I did not allow anyone to terrorize the land... I kept in view the needs of people and all its sanctuaries to promote their well being... I put an end to their misfortune. The Great God has delivered all the lands into my hand; the lands that I have made to dwell in a peaceful habitation...”
The work had a real influence on western democracy because it was required for reading for early nation builders. Dr. David Stronach who is currently a professor at UC Berkeley believes that for the first time in human history, Cyrus used his great power to improve the human condition rather than degrade it. You can watch some parts of this amazing movie on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YebB4nVw_Mg
