Final answer:
Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Persian Empire, known for his religious tolerance, and he conquered Egypt while instituting a centralized government and advocating for an early form of human rights. His policies favored local customs, contributing to the empire's stability and growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyrus the Great is described by all of the options provided, being the founder of the Persian Empire, known for his religious tolerance, a conqueror which included the conquest of Egypt, instituted a centralized government and advocated for what can be considered early forms of human rights. Under his rule, the empire thrived due to the innovative administrative system with satrapies, which laid the groundwork for a stable and centralized bureaucracy. Furthermore, his conquests were characterized by an acceptance and respect for local cultures and religions, as seen in his policies towards the Greek colonies and his respectful treatment of Babylon. His legacy endures in part due to the Cyrus Cylinder, which is thought to advocate for certain rights of conquered peoples, framing his conquests in a relatively benign light.
Upon his death in 530 BCE, Cyrus's legacy was left to his son, Cambyses II, who expanded the empire further by conquering Egypt. Both Cyrus and Cambyses II continued policies that were tolerant of local customs and traditions, a strategy that helped maintain control over their vast domains.