Cyrus the Great

Founder of the Achaemenid Empire

Ancient influential 52 sayings

Sayings by Cyrus the Great

I have set free the captives and restored their images to their shrines.

c. 539 BCE — From the Cyrus Cylinder, detailing his policy of returning religious artifacts and allowing displace…
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My strength lies not in the number of my soldiers, but in the loyalty of my subjects.

c. 540 BCE — A statement on the importance of popular support rather than brute force.
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I extended the territory of my empire and made all the land peaceful.

c. 539 BCE — From the Cyrus Cylinder, summarizing his conquests and establishment of peace.
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Wisdom is the foundation of a great empire.

c. 540 BCE — A philosophical statement on the importance of good governance and intellect.
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I did not impose my culture or my gods upon those I conquered. I respected their ways.

c. 539 BCE — A summary of his policy of cultural and religious tolerance.
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The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.

c. 540 BCE — A statement reflecting his strategic preference for diplomacy and peaceful assimilation when possibl…
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I am a liberator, not a destroyer.

c. 539 BCE — A self-description contrasting his rule with that of previous oppressive empires.
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Let justice be done to all, for a just ruler is a strong ruler.

c. 540 BCE — A statement on the importance of justice in governance.
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My empire is built on respect, not on fear and oppression.

c. 539 BCE — A summary of his governance philosophy.
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I sought the welfare of the city of Babylon and all its sanctuaries.

c. 539 BCE — From the Cyrus Cylinder, demonstrating his care for the conquered city.
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A king who serves his people well will be remembered long after his death.

c. 540 BCE — A philosophical statement on legacy and good governance.
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I brought peace to the land and restored order where there was chaos.

c. 539 BCE — A summary of his achievements in establishing stability.
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Let the highways be safe for travelers, and let trade flourish.

c. 540 BCE — A statement reflecting his policies to promote commerce and security within his empire.
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I am a shepherd to my people, guiding them to prosperity.

c. 540 BCE — A metaphor for his benevolent leadership.
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Those who are oppressed, I will uplift. Those who are free, I will protect.

c. 539 BCE — A statement on his commitment to justice and protection for all.
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I entered Babylon as a friend, and I left it more glorious than before.

c. 539 BCE — A statement reflecting his peaceful conquest and improvement of Babylon.
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The strength of an empire lies in its diversity, not its uniformity.

c. 540 BCE — A statement reflecting his appreciation for the varied cultures within his empire.
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I sought to relieve their (the people's) weariness and ease their burden.

c. 539 BCE — From the Cyrus Cylinder, referring to his policies to alleviate suffering in Babylon.
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A good leader listens to his advisors, but makes his own decisions.

c. 540 BCE — A statement on effective leadership.
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My empire is a testament to the power of unity and tolerance.

c. 539 BCE — A summary of the principles he believed his empire embodied.
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