Finally a translation of the Cyrus Cylinder is presented with the new fragments discovered in the British Museum by the late W.G. The position of the last Neo-Babylonian king, Nabonidus, and the conquest of Lydia gain new treatment. The characterization of the Cyrus cylinder as first declaration of human rights is anachronistic and thus not justified (which does not mean that Cyrus couldn't show mercy on occasion). Cyrus' policy appears to be in the footsteps of Mesopotamian traditions. This article discusses Cyrus' policy in conquered territories as regards religion, deportation policy and local autonomy in the light of Ancient Near Eastern history. The fact that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish is often mocked but this unique event is rationally possible, moreover, the biblical text describes it as a divine intervention (Jonah 1:17). Jonah's mission was therefore a success since Assyrian expansionism to the Mediterranean coast will cease, at least for 80 years. When Jonah comes to Assyria, in 824 BCE, the situation was this: the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III who resided in the new capital Kalhu was dying, his son Shamshi-Adad V was commissioned, as new crown prince, to quell the revolt headed by his brother Assur-danin-pal who led, him, 27 cities including the famous Nineveh. The coincidence in time sheds light on the strange role of Jonah. The text of 2 Kings 14:23-25 relates the mission of Jonah with the accession of Jeroboam II, as pointed out Josephus (Jewish Antiquities IX:205-207), which illuminates the reason and the urgency of his mission, because this particular year coincides with the death of Shalmaneser III (824/823 BCE). Moreover, these dimensions, seemingly boundless, yet have been confirmed by archeology. The dimensions mentionned seem colossal however they agree with the accounts of Herodotus (The Histories I:178), Diodorus quoting Persica §3 of Ctesias (Historical Library II:3) and Strabo (Geography XVI:1:3). The book of Jonah, despite its brevity, gives some verifiable information on Nineveh, a very old city which disappeared completely after its destruction in 612 BCE. However, the Gospels refer to it as a real story which is even described as essential to faith (Luke 11:29-32). Historians consider the biblical account about Jonah's warning against Nineveh as a pious fiction.
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