Persia

Tomb of Cyrus the Great

Was this king most famous because of his kind treatment to the Jews? Cyrus II also known as "Cyrus the Great" was one of the greatest monarchs of all time. He conquered in 539 B.C. and ruled Persia until his death in 530 B.C. His wisdom and generosity was known throughout the ancient world. His capital was at Pasargadae in the land of Parsa (ancien...

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The Cyrus Cylinder

Did Cyrus the Persian praise the Jewish God? The Cyrus Cylinder is an important discovery in the study of Biblical Archaeology because it speaks of Cyrus the Persian and his conquest of Babylon in 539 BC. as mentioned in Scripture. Cyrus II, the Great was the founder and ruler of the vast Persian Empire from 539 B.C. until his death in 530 B.C. O...

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Persian Guards

Could these Persian soldiers have served Queen Esther of the Bible? Here we see a group of Persian soldiers on a wall relief armed with spears and shields from a stairway at the ruins of ancient Persepolis. It reveals soldiers of the Achaemenid Empire (From Xerxes to Darius II) which was composed of two great groups: the Persians and the Medes. Thi...

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Lion and Bull Battle Relief

Could this ancient battle symbolize Darius the Persian mentioned in the Bible? This relief of a lion battling a bull is seen at the ancient throne room of Darius in his palace at Persepolis, the seat of his vast Achaemenid Empire. The lion is seen in Persepolis as the symbol of absolute power and heroic triumph. The bull is also a symbol of power i...

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Darius the Great Relief

Could Queen Esther have touched this same golden scepter held by Darius? Darius the Great is seated on his throne in his reception chamber while an audience of delegates from provinces around his mighty empire approach him to bring him tribute. This particular dignitary is raising one hand to his mouth as a token of respect and honor and with the o...

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Darius the Great at Persepolis

Is this stone carving a portrait of Darius the King mentioned in the Book of Ezra? Darius the Great is seated on his throne in his reception chamber while an audience of delegates from provinces around his mighty empire approach him to bring him tribute. This particular dignitary is raising one hand to his mouth as a token of respect and honor and ...

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Two Royal Persian Servants

Did these ancient Persian servants protect the harem of Xerxes? These two royal Persian attendants are depicted in a relief scene at the great hall of Xerxes from the Harem of Xerxes at Persepolis. This discovery of ancient Persian servants of Xerxes from the 5th century BC is important in the study of Biblical Archaeology and the Persian Period. ...

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Immortal Guard

Were these soldiers part of the 10,000 Immortals faced by Alexander the Great? These 5 foot tall archers were the royal Immortal Guard from the palace of Darius at Susa (ancient Shushan). These archers are seen wearing colorful ceremonial clothing decorated with tiny stars, from their woven and twisted headbands, hair and beards, even to their sho...

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