Final answer:
The 'Kind King Cyrus' section underscores how Cyrus the Great's lenient and sympathetic treatment of conquered peoples was a key factor in the stability and expansion of the Persian Empire. His innovative approach, often in the form of respecting local cultures and religions, helped to minimize resistance and ensure loyalty throughout the empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The section 'Kind King Cyrus' contributes to the article's main idea by highlighting the lenient and respectful approach that Cyrus the Great used towards conquered peoples. This approach was an innovative strategy in the ancient world and stands in contrast to the more oppressive methods of previous rulers like the Assyrians and Neo-Babylonians. For instance, the allowance of exiled Jews to return to Judah exemplifies Cyrus's kingly generosity and administrative strategy of gaining the support and loyalty of his subjects by upholding local traditions and religions.
His policy of tolerance is further shown by his actions after the conquest of Lydia, allowing Ionian Greeks to retain their culture, and his respectful treatment of Babylon and its deity Marduk after its conquest. These actions not only secured loyalty but also stabilized the massive Persian Empire, a testament to an effective rule that linked power to sympathy for the subjects. Therefore, the section on Cyrus helps underscore how his unique approach to governance formed a cornerstone for the stability and success of the Persian Empire.
Moreover, Cyrus's strategies after conquering Mesopotamia and Babylon, his respectful policies towards Egypt after Cambyses' conquest, and the overall expansion of the Persian Empire illustrate that the practice of finding loyal local leaders and treating subjects fairly contributed significantly to minimizing uprisings and integrating diverse cultures into the empire.