King of the World: The Life of Cyrus the Great

by Matt Waters

The Persian Empire was the world's first hyperpower, with territory stretching from Central Asia to Northeastern Africa and from Southeastern Europe to the Indus Valley. It was the dominant geopolitical force from the later sixth century to its conquest by Alexander in the 330s BCE. Much of the empire's territory was conquered by its founder, Cyrus the Great, who reigned from 559-530 BCE. Cyrus became a legend in his own lifetime, and his career inspired keen interest from Persia's unruly neighbors to the west, the ancient Greeks. The idealized portrait of Cyrus by the Greek Xenophon had a profound impact on ancient, medieval, and early modern debates about rulership.

King of the World provides an authoritative and accessible account of Cyrus the Great's life, career, and legacy. While Greek sources remain central to any narrative about Cyrus, a wealth of primary evidence is found in the ancient Near East, including documentary, archaeological, art historical, and biblical material. Matt Waters draws from all of these sources while consistently contextualizing them in order to provide a cohesive understanding of Cyrus the Great. This overview addresses issues of interpretation and reconciles limited material, while the narrative keeps Cyrus the Great's compelling career at the forefront. Cyrus' legacy is enormous and not fully appreciated― King of the World takes readers on a journey that reveals his powerful impact and preserves his story for future generations.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Ancient History, World History, Middle East, Audiobook

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2022

About the author

Matthew W. Waters is Professor of Classics and Ancient History at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Reviews

[A Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is an account of Cyrus the Great’s life and his reign of a sprawling empire during the 500s BCE. While not much is known about his life, Matt Waters compiled available information concerning Cyrus in this work. Sources utilized included Greek biographies, archaeology, ancient art, and even the Bible. Waters draws on these and provides context to form a narrative surrounding this powerful leader of the Persian Empire.

Waters did an excellent job at compiling what little information is available about this topic. While the work centered around Cyrus, much of it focused on topics that were adjacent to Cyrus, such as the preceding and following rulers, Alexander the Great, and context information about the few sources that directly mention Cyrus. While this may make the work feel like it was lacking concrete information concerning Cyrus, that’s simply because this information doesn’t currently exist. I think the author excelled at providing meaningful supplemental information while still bringing it all back to his main focus.

I greatly appreciated that details concerning the sources and the specific translations of texts that were utilized were included throughout the work. The author was also very clear about the scope of this work in that it is considered more of a general history for the public. Questions that have been posed by academics concerning Cyrus and his rule were also included, which situated this work within the broader academic context (well done!). Discussions concerning the accuracy of primary sources, especially when it comes to Greek texts, were included throughout the work, reminding the reader that primary documents often contain exaggerations and downright fiction.

This is a dense work, but not an unapproachable one. I think it would be an amazing source to include in any sort of high school or college course related to ancient history. I listened to the audiobook and greatly enjoyed the narrator, but the physical copy of the work includes many images (maps, photos of artifacts and art, etc.) that would be a wonderful supplement to the text. One last thing – I highly recommend refreshing yourself on the definitions of the words “extant” and “nascent.” I haven’t heard them used that much since grad school! Overall, a great and informative read on this topic that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this work through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of the World: The Life of Cyrus the Great by Matt Waters is mostly based on Greek references due to the lack of little pieces of information about the time of Kourosh II (Cyrus the Great) which I find a great perspective from other nations' points of view.


Here are some interesting points to consider:
- Why has Alexander compared to Cyrus? Not as someone who wanted to destroy, but rather who has an obsession or even inspiration to be a great king, king of the world, like Cyrus.

- Another aspect to ponder is Cyrus's lineage, his grandfather, and considering who he really was - yes, a great ruler and leader, and also a great conqueror and commander.

- Additionally, Cyrus freed the Jews from Babylonian Captivity and provided them with an easy way to return to the promised land.

A history work that I find very easy to follow and has lots of information in only about 300 pages. Highly Recommended!

I received an audio version narrated by Michael Page from HighBridge Audio via NetGalley and have provided my honest review. I also used the digital book to look at pictures and references as the book has already been published.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cyrus the Great has to be one of the most magnanimous rulers ever to grace history and yet as the author of this book puts it there is not much of a written record about him at all! However, using the limited sources at his disposal, Matt Waters manages to put together an interesting picture of the monarch who not only was the leader of the powerful Achaemid (Persian) empire and brought nations together under his rule but was also, according to the Bible, the king who allowed the Israelites to go back and rebuild Jerusalem, after years of servitude under Babylon kings. We also get a glimpse of how Cyrus operated as a ruler- from building his army to his governing policies. The author also mentions that in all of the sources (however limited and bias), there is nothing negative mentioned about Cyrus as a person and Alexander the Great, who ruled a few centuries later was so impressed by Cyrus that he tried to emulate Cyrus in all aspects of his own rule.

Michael Page does a great job of narrating this non-ficton work which does comprise of ancient Persian and Greek terminology. I thought I would have a difficult time following the text but was pleasantly surprised. The only drawback was that I could not refer to the maps, diagrams and pictures which are included in the physical book but could only be mentioned verbally in the audiobook.

My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Highbridge Audio and the author for the audio Arc of the book.

[Read By Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, if a little sparse. There's not too much to go on with Cyrus, so I appreciated the author consolidating sources, but I don't think it was told in a very compelling manner, very matter-of-fact. The narration was good!

Thanks Netgalley and publisher for the audio copy in exchange for an honest review!

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

ROYALTY READS PROJECT 2023

I think this is the first and only book about Cyrus I’ve ever bought and read (yes I recently bought this AND read it!) I did audio. Narrator sounded familiar. I need to read this again because I feel like the synopsis was quite extensive and educational but that’s not how I felt at the end. This would be considered quite a long book for most readers who crave those 400 page max reads before bed maybe on lunch break you get the idea. But still a great book for fun trivia facts.

[Alexander Mesadieu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very great informative book. Because of the subject and the author's decision to choose impartiality this book is as much about deciphering ancient history and the history of the early Persian and Edomite kingdoms as it is about Cyrus' life. Unfortunately because of the lack of surviving documentation and the damage in some of the stuff that did survive we have a limited understanding of Cyrus and the author chose to show all that we do know about the king and what we can probably assume. He goes out of his way to show how the existing accounts of his life conflict instead of just choosing a single narrative in order to tell a story.

I listened to this on audiobook the book constantly references figures and photos that are in the print version so if you're up for it get either the print or both. The narrator for this audiobook was amazing he has such a perfect voice for this type of book.

[Greg Mcneilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the pantheon of history's titans, Cyrus the Great, the architect of the Achaemenid Empire, stands as a colossus. In his latest scholarly endeavor, Waters scaled this historical Everest. He offers us a meticulously researched and compelling narrative of this ancient world-shaker. With a detective's scrupulous eye and a raconteur's flair, Waters navigates us through the labyrinthine alleys of Cyrus' life. He guides us from his precocious beginnings to his conquests that rewrote the 5th-century geopolitical chessboard.

Waters' biography is more than just a chronological trot through bygone annals. No, it is a vivid tapestry, rich with the hues of the political, social, and cultural milieu that molded Cyrus and his empire. Waters has the rare gift of a historian who can breathe life into the dust of ancient times. He provides a panoramic view of an age where power, intrigue, and ambition were the currencies of the realm.

It is no secret that this enigmatic emperor, Cyrus, was not a warlord. His vision extended beyond the battlefield; he developed statecraft. Among his many achievements are the Persian Pony Express and advanced irrigation systems. Even though he was no Solon in legislative innovation, his religious tolerance, even acknowledged in the Talmud, gave him a sense of the complex interweavings of human culture and belief.

With elegance and clarity, Waters' authoritative voice navigates this historical odyssey. This means that casual enthusiasts and academics can read the book. While judicious use of primary sources gives the narrative authenticity, Cyrus's meticulous adherence to fact and source material sometimes reduces Cyrus' vibrancy. It must be conceded, however, that meticulous adherence to facts and source material sometimes diminishes Cyrus' vibrancy.

In conclusion, Waters' biography of Cyrus the Great emerges not merely as a chronicle of a historical figure. Instead, it is a portal to a majestic and formidable world. It beckons the reader to explore ancient history and contemplate the enduring legacy of a ruler whose shadow stretches for millennia. This time is valuable and essential for those hungry for historical grandeur and scholarly rigor.

QUOTES
* "Cyrus the Great was a man of immense ambition, driven by a desire to conquer and rule the known world." (p. 11)
* "He was a master strategist, able to inspire loyalty and obedience from his followers, and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies." (p. 27)
* "Cyrus's empire was built on military might, diplomatic skill, and a deep respect for the diversity of cultures and religions that existed within its borders." (p. 53)
* "He was a king who ruled with wisdom and justice, earning the admiration and devotion of his subjects." (p. 81)
* "Cyrus's legacy would endure long after his death, shaping the course of history for centuries to come." (p. 125)
* "He was a man ahead of his time, a leader who recognized the value of tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations." (p. 159)
* "Cyrus's story serves as a timeless reminder of the power of vision, determination, and compassion in leadership." (p. 223)
* "His name became synonymous with greatness, a symbol of hope and aspiration for generations to come." (p. 247)
* "Cyrus the Great's life and reign continue to fascinate and inspire us today, a testament to his enduring legacy." (p. 272)

OUTLINE
I. Introduction
* Background on Cyrus the Great and his significance in history
* Overview of the book's focus and structure
II. Early Life and Rise to Power
* Cyrus's family background and upbringing
* His early years and education
* The political context of the Persian Empire at the time
* Cyrus's rise to power and his initial conquests
III. Military Campaigns and Expansion
* Cyrus's military strategy and tactics
* His campaigns against the Medians, Lydians, and Babylonians
* The expansion of the Persian Empire under Cyrus's rule
IV. Administration and Governance
* Cyrus's approach to governance and administration
* His policies towards the conquered territories and peoples
* The organization of the Persian Empire and its bureaucracy
V. Relationships with Other Nations and Leaders
* Cyrus's relationships with other leaders and nations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Spartans
* His treaties and alliances, including the famous Cyrus-Lysander alliance
* The impact of his foreign policy on the Persian Empire and the wider ancient world
VI. Cultural and Religious Policies
* Cyrus's views on religion and culture
* His policies towards the diverse cultures and religions within the Persian Empire
* The Edict of Cyrus and its significance in promoting religious tolerance and freedom
VII. Legacy and Impact
* Cyrus's lasting legacy and impact on the ancient world and beyond
* His influence on subsequent rulers and empires
* The lessons and insights that can be drawn from his life and reign
VIII. Conclusion
* Recap of Cyrus's life and accomplishments
* Reflections on his significance and relevance in the present day
* Final thoughts and observations on the enduring importance of Cyrus the Great.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this audiobook as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When I read the description about the book, it sounded really interesting to me, as I generally like reading about the history of the Middle East region. I had never heard of Cyrus the Great before, so I was interested to read about his life and legacy. The first part of the book was a little tedious, with a lot of references to dates and people, which I found to be overwhelming. I couldn’t keep straight who everyone was, how they related to Cyrus, etc. I think that part of the problem was that I was listening to an audiobook rather than print version. It might have been easier to follow in black and white, especially because in print version you can go back and look at it again, take notes, etc.

When the book shifted into actual stories about Cyrus, it got better. If I remember correctly, the book mentions that the author has spent a lot of time compiling and researching the subject matter of this book, and it really shows. I think that the author was enthusiastic to put all his knowledge down on the page, but that in some aspects this came off less like storytelling and more like a university class history lesson. Not that there is anything wrong with a history lesson per se, but when reading books, I like to have a feel more of being told a story. This is why I couldn’t give more than 3 stars, as this book dragged for me in some places.

That being said, I think that anyone who is interested in the ancient history of the region will enjoy this book for the wealth of knowledge that it imparts. It was definitely very educational.

Lastly, with respect to the audiobook version I have two comments to make. While I enjoyed the lyrical voice of the narrator, there was a lot of references to illustrations, maps, pictures, etc. which obviously cannot be seen while listening to the audiobook. Therefore, it might be nice to read the paper or ebook version in order to get the benefit of this aspect of the book as well.

[Xavier Ruiz Trullols · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by Matt Waters offers a thorough and well-researched account of one of antiquity’s most influential rulers. Covering the rise of the Achaemenid Empire in the 500s BCE, the book draws on a wide range of sources—Greek accounts, archaeological evidence, ancient artwork and biblical references—to piece together the life and legacy of Cyrus the Great. It’s a shame that no Persian-written records from his time survive, which makes the reconstruction of his story all the more challenging, but Waters handles the available material with care and scholarly rigor.

For anyone interested in ancient Near Eastern history, the book is undeniably informative. It provides a solid understanding of the geopolitical landscape of the era and the significance of Cyrus’s accomplishments, from his conquests to his surprisingly progressive treatment of subject peoples. I learned a lot, and the historical context was consistently enriching.

That said, I found the style to be a bit dry and academic at times, which made it hard for me to stay fully engaged. I didn’t feel a strong connection to the narrative or the figure of Cyrus beyond the historical facts. While I appreciate the depth of the research, the lack of narrative flow made the experience less enjoyable than I had hoped. For that reason, I would rate it three out of five stars.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. I learnt so much from reading it. Which is something I really look out for when choosing non fiction books. I always go for new and exciting books that I know little about to learn from them. This really excites me. I listened to the audiobook and just loved the narrator Michael Page. He was such a perfect fit for this book had that wonderful history voice you tend to expect. His tone and pitch was wonderful, I could just close my eyes and imagine I was there watching it all happen.
It was obviously that the author had a lot of experience in the subject and was very well researched as it just flowed brilliantly and became a real page turner.
Why didn't it get that 5th star? Well honest answer I do not know it just felt right to give it 4 . There was nothing that annoyed me or put me off it just felt like ot was its place. I definitely recommend it to all history fans and those like me who just love to learn new parts of world history. I will definitely be looking out for more brilliant books by this author and narrator.
So much praise goes out to the author, narrator and publishers for creating this very fascinating and educational history book that really did teach me so many wonderful things.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version. As such, I did not have access to figures and illustrations that may have been available in a print book.
I enjoy history, and this is a time period and individual about which I am not familiar. I enjoyed learning about both from this work on nonfiction. It is approachable for the non-historian. Since I had little prior knowledge of the subject, I cannot critique the author's accuracy, though it is certainly well-presented, interesting, and seems well researched. I found the biblical references interesting, as they provide context for those who are familiar with biblical stories. However, this work does not focus on religion. The author included useful appendices which were also interesting to listen to in the audio format.
I would recommend this book to people who are interested in ancient history and history in general. This is also a useful reference for people involved in Bible study.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In King of the World, Matt Waters compiles all that is known about Cyrus the Great and his empire. At first, I was surprised to learn that relatively little is known about Cyrus the Great, considering how much of the world he ruled. However, after contemplation, it wasn’t surprising that much of what would have been known about him has been lost in the 2500 years since he lived.

I appreciated the way Waters laid out the book and that he let us know where conflicting details arose, rather than picking just one side to show to us. While listening to the audiobook, I could tell that I was missing out on many illustrations, pictures, and maps by not having the physical copy of the book, so I would probably recommend checking out that version of the book instead. Nevertheless, Michael Page did a wonderful job narrating the audiobook.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an audio ARC of this book.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cyrus the Great was not a person I was highly familiar with. There are several different versions about the origins of Cyrus, but no one can dispute his kingship. He was a king of kings, and the information that was presented in this book was very easy to follow.

I found myself wanting to get a paper version of this book so that I could highlight and take notes. I have read on Cyrus in passing, lectured on him briefly in World Civilizations, but have never come across something so in-depth, encompassing his life and military career.

I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Rachel Schoenberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably the first biography I've ever read (at least, one that's not a children's picture book), and it has made me realize this is a genre I've been unfairly neglecting. Cyrus the Great is such an interesting historical figure who has had a lasting impact on the world, and I'm glad I could start my journey of reading biographies with this wonderful book. It's fairly short and quite readable for a general audience but still manages to pack in so much good information. I simply could not put it down, and it definitely played a role in my lack of homework productivity today.

[Jessica]

Thank you, NetGalley, for granting me a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

King of the World: The Life of Cyrus the Great is a history of the famed Persian emperor whose life nevertheless remains shrouded in mystery. Although this is undoubtedly a solid resource for research purposes, it makes for a ponderous read for anyone simply looking to learn more about the ancient world.

[Mj Ahmadizade · Rating 4 out of 5]

فکر می‌کنم کتاب حتی برای فردی که با منابع کلاسیک تاریخ آغازی هخامنشی و جدیدترین یافته‌ها آشنایی دارد، مفید باشد چراکه تحلیل‌های تطبیقی نویسنده می‌تواند دریچه‌ی جدیدی را برای فهم پادشاهی کوروش باز کند.
کتاب را از ترجمه‌ی دکتر کامیار عبدی خواندم. ترجمه در کل روان و خوب بود. ضبط اسامی یکدست نبود و می‌شد همه را با توجه به تلفظ آن در زبان اصلی یکدست کرد. علاوه بر آن کتاب اغلاط املایی، تایپی و فنی زیادی داشت و تقریبا در هر چند صفحه یک غلط یافت می‌شد به همین دلیل نیاز به ویرایش دارد.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is less a biography than the review of all the (very limited) ancient sources on Cyrus, his conquests and his governance. Because of this, the book isn't easy to read and may not be the best first book for people wanting to learn about Cyrus and the Persians. That said, the critical review of the sources is excellent, with plenty of quotations and visual aids (photos, diagrams, etc.). Well worth the read, in my opinion.

[Clint]

I didn't learn as much about Cyrus as I hoped to. Unfortunately with a lot of important historical figures in the distant past we just don't have enough sources. I wanted to get the Persian perspective on Cyrus, which I did in part, but a lot of it is still Greek sources. Funny how that works

Anyway I love Michael Page

[Daniel Farabaugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid history of Cyrus and puts him into a good historical context for why he does not get the attention he deserves as he is over shadowed by other groups in history.

[Matt Sones · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too academic and dry for my taste.

[Arash Ahsani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of Cyrus the Great (KayKhosrow) for those who want to become familiar with the source material.