The Cyrus Cylinder is a small pottery cylinder created in the 6th century BC by the Persian king Cyrus the Great. It is an important historical artifact because it is one of the first documents that stated the principles of human rights and religious tolerance. On the Galilee was written a statement in the Akkadian language describing how Cyrus, who conquered the city of Babylon, allowed the captive people to return to their homes and maintain their religion. It is considered one of the first examples of a ruler granting people freedom of worship, and as such is often hailed as a significant milestone in the history of human rights.