The conquest of Babylon by Cyrus, the King of Persia, was a turning-point in the history of the Jewish people. Cyrus's policy of religious tolerance was manifested in the restoration of temples in Babylon and in the return of the various people exiled by the Babylonians to the countries of their origin. This was the setting for the policy of Cyrus toward the Jews, which permitted their return from Babylon and the resettlement of Jerusalem. Jews who remained in Babylon were allowed to give silver, gold, and other possessions to the House of the Lord in Jerusalem. At the head of the first wave of returning Jews was Zerubbabel, a Jewish high priest. The decree, which is recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder, permitted the exiles of Judea to return to Jerusalem. Of significant importance, Cyrus' decree gave official status to the Temple that was to be built in the future. The reconstruction of the Temple was completed in 515 B.C.E., with financial aid from Darius I. Darius originated the custom that among the offerings in the Temple, sacrifices should be offered for the life of the king and his sons.

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