Cyrus the Great allowed conquered people to maintain their customs, notably freeing the Jews after capturing Babylon. He founded the Persian Empire, defeating Croesus and establishing policies of tolerance, but there's no evidence of using trenches to drain a river in battle.
A. Cyrus the Great is best described by the statement that he allowed the people he conquered to keep their customs and religions. This policy of tolerance and respect for diverse cultures was a key feature of Cyrus's reign and contributed to the stability of his empire.
B. He captured Babylon and freed the Jewish people to return to Judah. Cyrus is known for capturing Babylon in 539 BCE and issuing the Edict of Cyrus, which allowed various displaced peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
C. He defeated Cambyses II in battle and conquered the Persian empire. This statement is not accurate; Cyrus the Great was not defeated by Cambyses II, but rather, he founded the Persian Empire.
D. He used trenches to drain a river so his troops could attack a city. This statement is not an accurate description of Cyrus the Great's known military tactics or campaigns.
E. He was defeated in battle by Croesus, the king of Lydia, and fled from Ionia. This statement is not accurate; Cyrus the Great was victorious against Croesus, the king of Lydia, in the Battle of Thymbra, leading to the expansion of the Persian Empire. There is no historical record of him fleeing from Ionia.
The probable question may be:
Which of the following best describes Cyrus the Great? Select all that apply.
A. He allowed the people he conquered to keep their customs and religions.
B. He captured Babylon and freed the Jewish people to return to Judah.
C. He defeated Cambyses II in battle and conquered the Persian empire.
D. He used trenches to drain a river so his troops could attack a city.
E. He was defeated in battle by Croesus, the king of Lydia, and fled from lonia