Cyrus releases Jews from Babylonian Captivity

538 BC (About 2500 years ago)

Cyrus gives a decree allowing the Jews the freedom to leave Babylon and return to Judah. Cyrus' kingdom rules over Judah and many other parts of the Middle East, but Cyrus allows people more cultural and religious freedom than did the Neo-Babylonian Empire, which he conquered in 539 BC.

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