Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Cyrus II

Cyrus II

7.9
King of Persia around 600–529 BC who founded the Persian Empire
  • proper noun
: Ciro II
  • Cyrus II is credited with the unification of the Medes and Persians into a powerful empire.

Examples

  • Cyrus II is widely recognized as the founder of the Persian Empire, which he established by uniting the Medes and Persians.

  • Historians regard Cyrus II as a tolerant ruler who respected the customs and religions of the lands he conquered.

  • The reign of Cyrus II marked a turning point in the history of the ancient Near East.

  • The great Cyrus II was known for his military conquests.

  • Did Cyrus II really establish the Persian Empire?

  • Many ancient texts praise Cyrus II for his innovative methods of governance and respect for local traditions.

  • Cyrus II expanded his territory significantly, becoming one of the most notable figures of ancient history.

Synonyms

Cyrus the Great
vsCyrus II
1 7.5

A king of Persia who founded the Persian Empire and ruled from about 600 to 529 BC

has identical meaning but uses a different epithet focusing on form not sense
Cyrus the Elder
vsCyrus II
8.8

King of Persia who founded the Persian Empire around 600–529 BC

has identical meaning but uses a different epithet highlighting fame rather than seniority

Surface Forms

Cyrus II main

Morphology

Cyrus + II

This is a proper name plus a regnal numeral: knowing 'II' as 'the second' and recognizing 'Cyrus' as a name does not allow a B1 learner to derive the specific historical meaning (King of Persia, founder of the empire). At best a learner can infer 'Cyrus the Second' or that it names a person/monarch, but the detailed biographical and historical sense is not predictable from the parts alone.

Etymology

Cyrus II may come from an old Persian word meaning 'sun' or 'sun-like', so people pictured a ruler who shone over many lands. That's why the name fits a powerful 'king' who brought different peoples together.