Final answer:
The Jews gained religious freedom under the Persian Empire when Cyrus the Great allowed them to return to their homeland and practice their religion freely.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Jews were granted religious freedom under the rule of the Persian Empire. It was Cyrus the Great, the Persian emperor, who allowed the Jews exiled in Babylon to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. This marked the end of the Babylonian captivity and the beginning of the Jewish diaspora. The Persian Empire was known for its policy of cultural and religious tolerance, allowing various peoples, including the Jews, to maintain their religious practices and cultural identities.
This was in contrast with other empires, such as the Roman Empire, where the Jews faced significant oppression, revolting against heavy taxation, and the Romans demanded to acknowledge the divinity of the emperors.