Persia takes Babylon; return becomes possible

Timeline Event · 539–538 BCE · Babylon / Judah

Persian conquest ends Babylonian rule; biblical tradition connects Cyrus's policy with Judean return and Temple rebuilding.

Perspective note

Comparative historical/source study. The original author's or church's reception is retained; inclusion does not make every claim Oriental Orthodox teaching.

People

Cyrus II

Scripture

Ezra 1 — Cyrus permits return and Temple rebuilding after Persia takes Babylon.
Isaiah 44:28–45:1 — Isaiah names Cyrus in a promise about Jerusalem's rebuilding; interpretation and dating of the text are debated.

Sources and further reading

Metropolitan Museum: Cyrus and the Judean diaspora (Website)

Related records

Jehoiachin is released from prison in Babylon (Biblical History)
Returnees restore the altar before the Temple (Biblical History)

All records