Written by The United States Declaration of Independence is often hailed as a revolutionary document that redefined governance and human rights. Yet, its principles of liberty, justice, and equality echo an even older artifact: the Cyrus Cylinder, created by the Persian king Cyrus the Great in 539 BCE. Often referred to as the first charter of human rights, the Cyrus Cylinder laid the foundation for ideas that later inspired Enlightenment thinkers and the Founding Fathers.
This article explores the parallels between the Cyrus Cylinder and the Declaration of Independence, arguing that America’s founding principles are deeply rooted in the ancient Zoroastrian ideals embodied by Cyrus the Great.
What Is the Cyrus Cylinder?
The Cyrus Cylinder is a clay artifact inscribed in Akkadian cuneiform, created after Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon. It records Cyrus’s policies of religious tolerance, cultural diversity, and governance based on justice and fairness. Widely regarded as a symbol of human rights, the Cylinder reflects Zoroastrian values of Asha (truth and order) and respect for human dignity.
Key Principles in the Cyrus Cylinder:
- Freedom of Religion: Cyrus allowed conquered peoples, including the Jews, to worship freely and return to their homelands.
- Abolition of Oppression: The text declares an end to forced labor and oppressive rule.
- Respect for Diversity: Cyrus respected the customs and traditions of all peoples within his empire.
- Justice and Governance: The Cylinder emphasizes justice, fairness, and the duty of rulers to protect their subjects.
These principles were revolutionary for their time and provided a blueprint for governance that valued human rights and dignity.
The Declaration of Independence: A Modern Manifestation of Ancient Ideals
The Declaration of Independence, written over two millennia after the Cyrus Cylinder, shares striking similarities in its emphasis on liberty, equality, and justice.
Parallels Between the Cyrus Cylinder and the Declaration of Independence:
- Universal Human Rights:
- Cyrus Cylinder: Cyrus proclaimed that all peoples had the right to freedom and dignity, regardless of their origin or religion.
- Declaration of Independence: Jefferson’s statement that “all men are created equal” reflects a similar belief in the inherent dignity and equality of all individuals.
- Freedom of Religion:
- Cyrus Cylinder: Cyrus allowed diverse religious practices across his empire, including restoring temples and returning sacred objects to their rightful owners.
- Declaration of Independence: While not explicitly about religion, the Declaration’s emphasis on liberty includes the freedom to worship without interference, later enshrined in the First Amendment.
- Governance for the People:
- Cyrus Cylinder: Cyrus viewed himself as a servant of the people, ruling justly and protecting his subjects.
- Declaration of Independence: The Declaration asserts that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and exist to secure the rights of the people.
- Abolition of Tyranny:
- Cyrus Cylinder: Cyrus positioned himself as a liberator, freeing the oppressed from the tyranny of Babylon’s rulers.
- Declaration of Independence: The Declaration is a direct rejection of tyranny, listing grievances against King George III and asserting the colonies’ right to self-governance.
Zoroastrian Values Reflected in Both Documents
The shared values between the Cyrus Cylinder and the Declaration of Independence can be traced back to Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Cyrus’s empire. As a follower of Zarathustra, Cyrus governed according to principles of Asha (truth, righteousness) and rejected Druj (falsehood, chaos).
Core Zoroastrian Values in Both Documents:
- Free Will and Moral Responsibility:
- Zoroastrianism emphasizes the individual’s ability to choose between good and evil, mirrored in the Declaration’s focus on liberty and self-determination.
- Justice and Fair Governance:
- Cyrus’s just rule reflects Zarathustra’s teaching that leaders must uphold truth and protect their people. This aligns with the Declaration’s call for a government that secures unalienable rights.
- Diversity and Unity:
- Zoroastrianism encourages respect for diversity, as seen in Cyrus’s policies. Similarly, the Declaration envisions a united but pluralistic society.
The Enlightenment’s Fascination with Cyrus the Great
Cyrus’s legacy captivated Enlightenment thinkers, whose ideas heavily influenced the American Revolution. Figures like Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Thomas Jefferson admired Cyrus’s governance as a model of enlightened leadership.
Key Enlightenment Connections:
- Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws:
Montesquieu praised the Persian Empire for its decentralized governance and tolerance, principles that influenced the U.S. Constitution. - Voltaire’s Admiration for Cyrus:
Voltaire considered Cyrus an ideal ruler who embodied reason, justice, and humanity. He viewed Cyrus as a precursor to Enlightenment ideals. - Jefferson’s Study of Ancient History:
Thomas Jefferson’s library included works on Cyrus and the Persian Empire. His emphasis on religious freedom and moral governance reflects this influence.
Symbolic Connections: Cyrus, the Faravahar, and the American Eagle
The symbols associated with Cyrus’s empire also resonate with American ideals and iconography.
- The Faravahar and American Liberty:
The Faravahar, a Zoroastrian symbol of human aspiration and divine guidance, mirrors the American focus on liberty and moral progress. Its wings, representing upward movement, align with the ideals of self-improvement and justice. - The Eagle:
Both the Persian and American eagles represent strength, vigilance, and divine protection. The American eagle, clutching the olive branch and arrows, echoes Zoroastrian duality: peace (Asha) and the readiness to fight tyranny (Druj). - The Torch of Freedom:
The flame central to Zoroastrian worship is echoed in the torch of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing enlightenment, guidance, and the eternal pursuit of truth.
A Legacy of Liberty
The Declaration of Independence owes much of its inspiration to the Enlightenment, which in turn was deeply influenced by the legacy of Cyrus the Great and Zoroastrian principles. The Cyrus Cylinder, as the first declaration of human rights, provided a timeless model for governance based on liberty, justice, and respect for diversity.
By recognizing the parallels between these two historic documents, we honor the enduring wisdom of Zoroastrianism and its contributions to shaping the modern world. The ideals of freedom and equality that define America are not just Western innovations but part of a shared human heritage that transcends time and geography.
Let us remember: The flame of liberty that lights the way for America today was first kindled by Cyrus the Great, guided by the timeless teachings of Zarathustra.