The author, who is unknown, created the Cyrus Cylinder to document the achievements and benevolent policies of Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. It was meant to serve as a proclamation to his subjects and foreign nations, solidifying his legitimacy and showcasing his commitment to justice, religious freedom, and good governance. The cylinder also aimed to establish Cyrus as a compassionate ruler by highlighting his efforts to restore temples and return displaced people to their homelands.
