The Cyrus Cylinder is text inscribed on a clay cylinder describing the deeds of Cyrus the Great, written in both third person and later in first point of views, with the King himself speaking.

The text describes Cyrus as being chosen by Marduk to save the people of Babylon and its territories from Nabonidus.

Cyrus had also made a policy of tolerance regarding the religions of his subjects as well as allowing exiles to return home, and this is consistent with the Book of Ezra in the Bible. the latter states:

“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:

“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. ³ Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. ⁴ And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’” (Ezra 1:2-4)