What if Cyrus the Great never existed?

If it had not existed, the Roman Empire's rise would have happened sooner – it was through Philip's intervention in removing the tribal Illyrians from Molossia and Alexander's continued support of the Epirote Kingdom that Epirus gained some degree of power, allowing Pyrrhus to invade Rome early in the latter's history. read more

If Cyrus the Great never existed, then Judaism might not of existed either. Cyrus the Great is known for his extraordinary efforts in human rights, religious tolerance, abolishment of slavery, freedom of choice of profession, and expansion of the empire. read more

Cyrus the Great is unconditionally praised in the Jewish sources. It is likely that, after the Persian conquest of Babylon, Cyrus had commenced his relationship with the Jewish leaders in exile, and that he later was considered as anointed by God. read more