Cyrus the Great created the first Persian Empire and remains one of the world’s most impressive rulers and military campaigners. Cyrus the Great created the first Persian Empire in the 500s BCE, and sealed his pre-eminence as one of the greatest founders of empire and order. He conquered all major civilisations in his region and his influence reached from the Balkans in the West, to the Indus river in the East. His brilliant campaigns brought vast wealth and grandeur to his homeland and a reputation for military leadership that stands the test of time. 10 illustrations