The Cyrus Cylinder was rediscovered in 1879 by British archaeologists and has been displayed in the British Museum for 130 years. The Cylinder, symbolic of religious respect and tolerance, is highly valued by people all over the world -- there is even a copy in the United Nations headquarters!
View the 20-minute TED Talk by Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, on the Cyrus Cylinder and its importance in today's world. While you are watching the TED Talk, please answer the questions that follow in complete sentences in your notebook. They will be the basis for a class discussion.
If the video doesn't load for you, click here to watch the Talk on youtube. This should work on your ipad.
Questions:
1. The Cyrus Cylinder is about the size of what sports equipment?
2. What does the cylinder proclaim?
3. What is the link between the Cyrus Cylinder and the Jewish people?
4. What was the first great world empire, according to Neil MacGregor?
5. How is the Cylinder linked to the politics of the modern Middle East?
6. What symbol pulls together all Iranians?
7. How many people came to view the Cylinder while it was on display in Tehran?
8. What is the debate surrounding the Cylinder today?
