Cyrus II

Cyrus II was speculated to be born around 580 to 590 BCE in Persis (Iran's modern province), or in Media. People are still arguing about his name's meaning to this day, as it's still unconfirmed whether that name was personal or given to Cyrus after he eventually ascended to his throne. We should note that this name never appears again after the end of the Achaemenid empires, especially in all Iran-related sources. That fact alone indicates some special meanings of that name.

Herodotus, a famous Greek historian, has always been cited as the best source that contained all critical info about Cyrus's life; Xenophon's idealized biography was written for Greeks' edifications regarding what a great ruler entailed rather than recounting the historical truth.

The stories about Cyrus's childhood, crafted by Herodotus and with a hint of Xenophon, are later named "Cyrus legends", as they clearly adopt patterns of common folk beliefs that centered on the dynasty ruler's superhuman qualities.

Still, these stories do mention the great respect Cyrus II received - not only from Persians but also from other countries. Herodotus wrote that most Persians viewed Cyrus as their "father" - a type of attitude that not many Achaemenid rulers received later on. Long after his death, Cyrus II is still considered among the most respected kings in ancient history.

Born-Died: 580 (unconfirmed) to 530 BC

Title: King of Persia

Reign: 549 - 530 BC