Little Cyrus, amidst the flowers of a mansion in Ecbatana, fixed his curious eyes on the entrance. Moments later, a long shadow fell across the courtyard, and Cambyses, the King of Anshan, entered with exemplary dignity. He wore a long robe of fine dark blue linen, adorned with delicate Persian-Elamite designs along the edges and collar, symbolizing the union of the two great civilizations that formed his realm. A wide leather belt embellished with royal insignia was fastened around his waist, from which hung a short dagger with a silver-inlaid hilt. The grandeur of his countenance was undeniable, even in the tranquility of the garden, and every movement he made displayed the firmness of a ruler.
Cyrus, in his infant mind, contemplated his father's majesty. Cambyses, with his tall stature and penetrating gaze, was the embodiment of power and order; a power that seemed vital for governance in that tumultuous era. But Cyrus, beyond the outward appearance, thought of the depth of his father's being. He knew that beneath that stern and regal facade lay compassion and kindness; qualities evident in his behavior towards Mandane and himself. This blend of firmness and compassion served as a model for little Cyrus of what a mighty yet just king should be.
The story of the Mehregan ritual and Mithra, which Cambyses had recounted to him the day before, revolved in young Cyrus's mind, making him ponder the roots of Cyrus the Great's religious tolerance. He recalled how his predecessor had managed to adopt a policy that was unprecedented in that historical era; a policy that allowed subjugated peoples to freely worship their gods and practice their customs. Cyrus understood that this tolerance was not merely a political decision but stemmed from a deeper understanding of worldview and the integration of beliefs.
Cyrus considered how Cyrus the Great's familiarity with Zoroastrianism, through his mother Mandane, and simultaneously, his acquaintance with ancient Iranian rituals, through his father Cambyses, played an important role in shaping his outlook. He recalled that Zoroastrianism emphasized principles such as truth, goodness, and opposition to falsehood and evil, while the Mithraic cult adhered to truth, covenant, and light. This combination of teachings had granted Cyrus the Great a more comprehensive understanding of the concepts of "truth" and "justice."
He reasoned in his mind that Cyrus the Great's encounter with various rites and beliefs during his conquests, from Babylonian and Egyptian deities to Greek gods and Semitic religions, led him to understand that the true power of an empire lay not in imposing a single religion, but in respecting diversity and gaining loyalty through religious freedom. This contrasted with the approach of the Assyrians, who imposed their religion and disrespected the gods of conquered nations, becoming increasingly clear to young Cyrus.
Little Cyrus concluded that Cyrus the Great's policy of religious tolerance stemmed not from weakness, but from a strength rooted in a deep understanding of diverse worldviews. This understanding allowed him to focus on human commonalities and the shared needs of nations—peace, security, and prosperity—instead of religious wars and endless doctrinal disputes. This philosophy helped Cyrus the Great conquer the hearts of the people, not just their lands.
He vowed to apply this great lesson in his thousand-year empire. He knew that to build a stable civilization, he must not only be militarily strong and administratively organized, but also provide a platform for the peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures. Historically, Cyrus the Great likely adopted this tolerant approach, influenced by the Medo-Iranian rituals of his time, such as Zoroastrianism and Mithraism; an approach that, compared to the violence and fanaticism of other empires of his time, was remarkably progressive and humane.
However, young Cyrus, as a person from the 21st century, with a modern understanding of human rights and knowledge of the consequences of religious wars and extreme nationalism throughout history, could pursue and implement this tolerant and peaceful policy even more so than his predecessor. This vision, for little Cyrus, was a path towards a brighter future for Iran and the world; a future where diversity would be a source of strength and flourishing, not a threat.