Cyrus the Great Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, is renowned for uniting the Persian tribes and establishing one of the largest empires in history. Known for his progressive leadership, he allowed religious and cultural freedom, earning respect from conquered peoples. His conquest of Babylon in 539 BCE and the issuance of the Cyrus Cylinder marked key moments in history, with Cyrus hailed as a champion of human rights and a visionary ruler. #CyrusTheGreat

Alexander the Great invaded Afghanistan in 330 BCE, pursuing the fleeing Persian emperor Darius III after destroying the Achaemenid Empire's core territories. The region—ancient Bactria and Sogdiana—proved his most brutal challenge. Mountain fortresses, guerrilla warfare, and fierce local resistance forced Alexander into a grinding three-year campaign unlike his swift conquests elsewhere. He faced constant ambushes in narrow passes, revolts that reignited after seeming victory, and enemies who r