Cyrus Cylinder – High-Resolution 3D Model | Ancient Persian Artifact | Akkadian Cuneiform Inscription
3D Model available here
Main Description
This meticulously crafted digital reproduction presents the legendary Cyrus Cylinder, one of the most iconic archaeological artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia. Dating to 539 BCE, this barrel-shaped clay cylinder bears the proclamation of Cyrus the Great following his conquest of Babylon and marks the foundation of the Achaemenid Persian Empire.
The 3D model captures every detail of this historic foundation deposit, including the complete Akkadian cuneiform inscription that wraps around the cylinder’s surface. The original artifact, housed in the British Museum, measures 22.5 cm in length with a maximum diameter of 10 cm. This digital reconstruction faithfully reproduces the cylinder’s distinctive barrel shape, the intricate wedge-shaped cuneiform characters, surface texture, and the characteristic clay patina developed over 2,500 years.
Historical Significance
Often called the “first charter of human rights,” the Cyrus Cylinder documents Cyrus the Great’s enlightened policies after capturing Babylon from King Nabonidus. The inscription records how Cyrus restored religious temples, repatriated displaced peoples, and allowed freedom of worship throughout his empire. Though scholars debate its interpretation as a human rights document, the Cylinder remains a powerful symbol of religious tolerance and imperial benevolence in the ancient world.
The text praises Cyrus as chosen by Marduk, the chief Babylonian god, and describes his peaceful entry into Babylon, restoration of temples, and return of deported populations to their homelands. While the Jews are not specifically mentioned, biblical scholars connect this period to the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the construction of the Second Temple.
Technical Details
This professional-grade 3D model is ideal for:
- Archaeological visualization and museum exhibitions
- Educational materials for ancient history and Near Eastern studies
- Historical documentaries and media productions
- Academic research on Achaemenid Persia and cuneiform studies
- 3D printing for educational replicas and collections
- Virtual reality experiences of ancient civilizations
The model features historically accurate proportions, authentic surface details including cuneiform text, and optimized topology for rendering and 3D printing applications.
Biblical Connections
– 2 Chronicles 36:23: “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: ‘All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.’”
– Ezra 1:2–4: “The Lord God of heaven … has granted me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem … let the people … go up to Jerusalem … and build the house of the Lord God of Israel.”
– Isaiah 45:1: “Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors.”
