Neil MacGregor: 2600 years of history in one object

The video explores the historical and modern significance of the Cyrus Cylinder, a clay artifact from 539 BC. It discusses its role in the fall of Babylon, the liberation of the Jews, and the establishment of the Persian Empire. The cylinder's rediscovery in 1879 sparked debates about the reliability of scriptures. In modern times, it has been a symbol in Middle Eastern politics, representing ideals of freedom and multiculturalism. The video concludes by pondering the cylinder's future impact on global discussions about coexistence and tolerance.

What is the primary material of the Cyrus Cylinder?

• Stone

• Metal

• Clay

• Wood

Which historical event is associated with the Cyrus Cylinder?

• The fall of Carthage

• The fall of Athens

• The fall of Babylon

• The fall of Rome

What was Cyrus the Great's declaration upon entering Babylon?

• To enslave the people

• To destroy the temples

• To free the enslaved peoples

• To expand the empire further

What was a significant feature of the Persian Empire under Cyrus?

• It was a monolithic religious state

• It was isolated from other cultures

• It was a small regional power

• It was a multicultural and multifaith state

Which book by Xenophon promoted Cyrus as a model ruler?

• The Republic

• The Iliad

• The Histories

• Cyropaedia

In what year was the Cyrus Cylinder rediscovered?

• 2003

• 1979

• 1917

• 1879

Which god is credited in the Babylonian account of Cyrus's actions?

• Ra

• Jehovah

• Zeus

• Marduk

What was the significance of the Cyrus Cylinder in 1917?

• It was used to justify the Balfour Declaration

• It was destroyed in a war

• It was lost again

• It was translated into English

How did the Shah of Iran use the Cyrus Cylinder?

• As a symbol of Islamic history

• As a symbol of Roman history

• As a symbol of Iranian history

• As a symbol of Greek history

Where is a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder displayed?

• The British Museum

• The Louvre

• The Smithsonian

• The United Nations