Cyrus the Great

This is a replica of a Bas-Relief found in Pasargade, the capital city of Persia founded by Cyrus. It depicts Cyrus the Great (580-529 BC)-in a Babylonian Costume, Jewish helmet, with two wings and a short Persian beard.

Cyrus was the first Achaemenian Emperor of Persia, who issued a decree on his aims and policies, later hailed as his charter of the rights of nations. Inscribed on a clay cylinder, this is the first known declaration of Human Rights, and is now kept at the British Museum. A replica of the cylinder is also at the United Nations in New York. The so-called Cyrus’ cylinder was issued by Cyrus in Babylon (550 BC).

The Bas-relief symbolizes Multiculturalism and celebrates the peaceful coexistence of peoples from different backgrounds and cultures in one land. The statue was unveiled by Mary Dimech, Multicultural Programme Manager, Australia Council for the Arts. The International College Spain and the Australia Council for the Arts assisted by providing major sponsorship contributions.

For more information on Bicentennial Park visit the Bicentennial Park Page.