Compare And Contrast Cyrus The Great And King Ashoka

The ancient world’s Classical Era, occurring between 600 BCE and 600 CE, provided the foundations of modern society through art, architecture, religion, government, and commerce. This time period allowed great empires, such as the Persian, Greek, and Roman, to rise and eventually fall. Each vast empire would not have been possible; however, without the contributions of powerful emperors, such as Cyrus the Great and King Ashoka. Both rulers proved to be very successful in their political, cultures, social, and religious policies, while also providing institutions unique to their own empire’s needs. Throughout the Classical Era, the ruler possesses complete power over his subjects. The rulers of the Achaemenid Dynast, which flourished from 550-330

Fortunately, both empires expressed religious tolerance, unlike many of their predecessors, such as the Babylonians around 1900 BCE. As Cyrus the Great was expanding his empire, he allowed his conquered peoples to retain their native practices, cultures, and beliefs. Most notably, Cyrus greatly respected the Jews. The Jewish historian, Josephus, respects Cyrus for his graciousness towards the Jewish people, especially since the Jews had just been exiled from Babylon. Cyrus granted the Jews the freedom to remain in their homeland of Canaan and to build a temple dedicated to God in Jerusalem. Even though he granted the Jews religious toleration, Cyrus the Great set forth certain regulations upon their culture. The Jews were required to construct their temple to a maximum of sixty cubits high, on the same latitude, and create it of three sides of polished stone, and one side of wood. Due to his respect and tolerance for the customs and religion of the lands he conquered, Cyrus the Great’s model of government became very successful, as it worked toward the benefits of all his subjects throughout the Persian Empire. Cyrus created such a lasting legacy upon the Jewish faith that he was recognized as Messiah, which is stated as, “So said the Lord to His anointed one, to Cyrus” (Isaiah 45:1-7). Other than his toleration of all ethnicities and cultures, Cyrus became well respected for his practices of human rights, politics, and especially military strategy. On the Indian subcontinent, King Ashoka converted to Buddhism after his conquest of the Kalingas in 265 BCE. After witnessing the deaths of over one hundred thousand people, Ashoka developed a sense of remorse for his actions and for conquering the region as a whole. During his conversion to Buddhism, King Ashoka developed a love for the Dhamma, which is considered “cosmic law and order” by Buddhists and the “the path