Cyrus II (Spithridates' Axe)

Cyrus the Great (June 589 BC — August 530 BC), founded the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia. As a young man he was the leader of Persians of Anshan.

Cyrus revolted against king Astyages of the Median Empire and claimed the title 'Shah of Iran' in 569 BC.

He fought and defeated king Croesus of Lydia, who had invaded his empire as a retaliation attack because Croesus and the dethroned king Astyages of the Medes were allies.

He conquered the Babylonian Empire and took Babylon in a surprise attack, where the people welcomed him as a liberator who deposed the incapable king of the crumbling empire. Cyrus was the first king to abolish slavery in his entire empire and promoted religious tolerance. Cyrus died fighting the Massagetae in Sogdia. He was buried in Pasargadae, where his tomb still stands today.