Cyrus II of Persia, known as Cyrus the Great, founded the Achaemenid Empire, the first Persian Empire. Unlike most ancient conquerors, Cyrus was known for his respect for the customs and religions of the lands he conquered. When he captured Babylon in 539 BC, he famously issued the 'Cyrus Cylinder,' often called the first charter of human rights. It declared religious freedom and allowed the Jewish people, who had been exiled in Babylon, to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. His model of government involved local satraps (governors), which allowed for decentralized control while maintaining imperial unity. His legacy influenced the Greeks, the Romans, and even the Founding Fathers of the United States, who admired his principles of religious tolerance and efficient governance. He remains a national hero in Iran and a symbol of enlightened leadership in world history.