Dan Carlin's "Hardcore History" podcast episode "Kings of Kings" covers the rise of the Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BCE. It provides historical context by describing the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East, including the fall of the Assyrian Empire and the subsequent power struggles between various kingdoms like Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia.

The narrative focuses on Cyrus's conquests, starting with his takeover of the Median Empire, followed by victories over Lydia and Babylon. Carlin emphasizes the unprecedented scale and speed of Cyrus's empire-building, noting how the Persians went from relative obscurity to controlling the largest empire the world had seen at that time.

Carlin discusses Cyrus's innovative approach to ruling his vast empire, highlighting his policy of religious and cultural tolerance. This approach contrasted sharply with the brutal methods of earlier empires like Assyria. The podcast explores how this tolerance may have been both a moral stance and a pragmatic strategy for maintaining control over diverse populations.

The episode also touches on Cyrus's interactions with the Jews, including his decree allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. This act earned Cyrus unique status in Jewish history and the Bible.

Carlin delves into the difficulties of reconstructing ancient history, noting the scarcity of reliable sources and the often colorful or exaggerated nature of accounts by historians like Herodotus. He discusses various theories about Cyrus's death, including the dramatic tale involving the Massagetae queen Tomyris.

Throughout the podcast, Carlin draws parallels between ancient events and more modern historical scenarios to help listeners grasp the significance of these distant events. He also reflects on the lasting impact of Cyrus and the Persian Empire on world history.

Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EDjj9pMFbm1gVuw3TSlWX