A clay cylinder found under the walls of Neil MacGregor is a key link to our past . Babylon says the Cyrus Cylinder describes rare act of tolerance . It has even been described as the first declaration of human rights , and while this was never the intention of the document -- the modern concept of human rights scarcely existed in the ancient world -- it has come to embody the hopes and aspirations of many . It tells the story of Greek Cyrus Cylinder , who allowed conquered people to return home . MacGregor : King Cyrus will tour five major U.S. museums starting in March .
A clay cylinder found under the walls of Neil MacGregor is a key link to our past . Babylon says the Cyrus Cylinder describes rare act of tolerance . It tells the story of Greek Cyrus Cylinder , who allowed conquered people to return home . MacGregor : King Cyrus will tour five major U.S. museums starting in March .