The Tolerant Persians: A Glimpse into Ancient Civilization

Contrary to popular belief, the Persians were not known for their cruelty as conquerors. In fact, they were quite tolerant of other religions, customs, and laws of the people they conquered.

While many civilizations in ancient times were ruthless in their conquests and oppressed the conquered people, the Persians took a different approach. They respected the traditions and beliefs of the diverse cultures they encountered, which helped them maintain stability in their vast empire.

This tolerance towards conquered people was exemplified by their policy of allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple, which was destroyed by the Babylonians. This act of kindness and respect for different beliefs sets the Persians apart from many other ancient civilizations.

The legacy of the Persians as a tolerant civilization

The Persian Empire, under rulers such as Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great, set a precedent for tolerance and respect for diversity that influenced future civilizations. Their ability to govern such a vast empire peacefully was a testament to their diplomatic skills and willingness to embrace different cultures.