The Persian and Iranian History

The video was so interesting, and I was thrilled by the excellence displayed by the Persians. The following stood out and caught my attention.

1)Quote:20.13 “The gate of all Nations was an advertisement of the empire's potential. It opened like a large, friendly mall to accept the envoys of other nations that were now a part of the greater empire.”

Explanation: I was amazed at the beauty and symbolism of the Gate of All Nations. Its design reflects the Persian Empire’s values of unity, openness, and cultural tolerance. The grandeur of the Persepolis complex, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, was not only an architectural masterpiece but also a political statement, welcoming envoys from all 28 nations under Persian rule. It stands as a legacy of the empire’s governance, innovation, and artistic excellence.

2)Quote:25.34” And it was in Babylon too that a more than 2000-year-old object was discovered, which at first glance looks like a terracotta rugby ball, but the engravings on this object, known as the “Cyrus Cylinder”, are actually something like the first charter of human rights.”

Explanation: I remember very well the story of how the Jews were allowed to go and rebuild the temple of God in the Old Testament during the era of Zerubbabel. The king not only permitted them to return but also provided them with materials like gold, silver, goods, and livestock needed to rebuild the temple without any cost, as recounted in Ezra chapters 1, 2, and 3. This illustrates that the kings of Persia were not merely interested in ruling through fear, but they also recognized the importance of allowing their subjects the freedom to practice their beliefs. The welfare of the people seemed to matter to them beyond just the services they rendered. Furthermore, the significance of human rights during that time is reflected in the "Cyrus Cylinder," a historical artifact that underscores these ideals.

Comments

  1. MaliheNovember 9, 2025 at 10:40 AM

    Clementina, thank you so much for sharing the story from the Old Testament about Cyrus allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple — I honestly didn’t know that before. It adds an important historical and moral dimension to our discussion. One of the students questioned whether Persia was truly benevolent, saying that history is written by the victors. But your example beautifully shows that at least some historical evidence suggests acts of genuine respect and compassion toward other nations and faiths.

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