"The Cyrus Cylinder"

The Old Testament relates the story that Cyrus, king of Persia, overthrough the Babylonians, and in doing so, fulfilled a purpose of God. He allowed his subjects to continue ( or return to) their own cultic practices, and also gave permission for them to return to their homelands. This brought the reurn of some Jews to Judea, and ultimately led to the creation of the second Temple.

King Cyrus treatment of religion is significant to the books of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah.