Which of the following best describes Cyrus the Great? Select the three correct answers.

A.
He allowed the people he conquered to keep their customs and religions.
B.
He captured Babylon and freed the Jewish people to return to Judah.

C.
He defeated Cambyses II in battle and conquered the Persian empire.

D.
He used trenches to drain a river so his troops could attack a city.

E.
He was defeated in battle by Croesus, the king of Lydia, and fled from Ionia.

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To determine which of the statements best describe Cyrus the Great, we can analyze each option and eliminate the incorrect ones. Let's go through each answer choice:

A. He allowed the people he conquered to keep their customs and religions.
This statement aligns with Cyrus the Great's approach to ruling his empire. He was known for respecting and supporting the cultural and religious practices of the people he conquered, which fostered stability and loyalty within the empire. This answer is likely correct.

B. He captured Babylon and freed the Jewish people to return to Judah.
Cyrus the Great is indeed known for conquering Babylon and issuing the famous Cyrus Cylinder, which allowed the Jewish people to return to Judah and rebuild their temple. This answer is likely correct.

C. He defeated Cambyses II in battle and conquered the Persian empire.
This statement is false. Cyrus the Great was not the one defeated by Cambyses II. Instead, Cyrus was the ruler who established the Persian empire and expanded its territories. We can eliminate this answer as incorrect.

D. He used trenches to drain a river so his troops could attack a city.
There is no historical evidence to suggest that Cyrus the Great used such tactics. This answer is likely incorrect.

E. He was defeated in battle by Croesus, the king of Lydia, and fled from Ionia.
This statement is also false. Cyrus the Great was actually the conqueror of Croesus and the Lydia kingdom. He established an empire that superseded the Lydian Kingdom. We can eliminate this answer as incorrect.

Based on the analysis above, the three correct answers are:
A. He allowed the people he conquered to keep their customs and religions.
B. He captured Babylon and freed the Jewish people to return to Judah.
C. He defeated Cambyses II in battle and conquered the Persian empire.