Cyrus And Cyrus's Accomplishments Analysis

Contrary to popular belief, propaganda and persuasive techniques were not an original idea in World War II. These convincing advertisements began much earlier, as long ago as 1115-1077 B.C. Rulers such as Tiglath-pilesar, Cyrus, and Darius I strived to create a following of their people to avoid rebellion and advocate for a peaceful unity. In order to win political support from their citizens, the inscriptions for both the Persians and Assyrians relayed that their leaders have been chosen and blessed by the gods, but the personal differences lie in their emotional tactics: Tiglath-pilesar drove fear into the people by telling of his many conquerings, while Cyrus uses a more caring approach by discussing all that he has done for his own people.

Both state that they are the “legitimate king” or “legitimate shepherd” of their people, seeming to prove their conformance to the laws that they not only will follow and set before them, but the laws through which the gods have placed among the people (Sources, 17-18). Tiglath-pileser and Cyrus reinforce their blessings from the gods to ensure the people that they were rightfully in charge and approved. This is reflected in two specific passages. For the Assyrian people, it was stated that “Ashur and the great god who have enlarged [Tiglath-pilesar’s] kingdom, who have given [him] strength and power as [his] portion…” (Sources, 17). For the Persians, it is mentioned that Cyrus was chosen under “Marduk, the great lord,” and that he “was well pleased with [his] deeds [was] sent friendly blessings” (Sources, 18). This persuasion tries to convince the people of both lands that they are leaders worthy of following. Their empires were almost entirely forms of theocracy, every decision attempting to please their religious gods. By appealing to the gods they can essentially appeal to their

Tiglath-pilesar shared his military experience very quickly. He speaks of the “sixty kings [he] fought” and his “glorious victory” (Sources, 17). He continues to discuss of the numerous violent acts he committed against conquered people groups, for instance making “their blood to flow over all the ravines and high places of mountains” and “[cutting] off their heads and [piling] them up at the walls of their cities” (Sources, 17). The fear generated by these statements instills a subconscious thought into the people: don’t go against me. He seems to be a much more aggressive ruler than Cyrus. His philosophy revolves around dominating the cultures around him, and not in a nice way. This sets an example for how he will treat rebellious subjects. He will fully oppose them in brutal and relentless acts of defeat. This also communicates to the people that he is strong enough to protect them, conquering all those around him. It is as if he is showing them that he is on the winning team, and if they are smart, that will hop on