Persian Jerusalem:
The Persian period is said to be from 539-333 BCE, part of the 2nd temple period. Although there is no non-biblical texts dealing with Jerusalem during this time, there exists enough evidence to show the major aspects of this time. The prophet Ezekiel predicted a reemergence of God as a mobile being, using vivid and apocalyptic imagery. King Cyrus announced a "general return to homelands" in his clay cuneiform, giving him an image as a "liberator." He was viewed as a great deliverer by the Judean exiles. This can be seen as an example of rationalizing history to comply with certain events, "even if it involves a foreign king as God's chosen deliverer."
Darius I lead a rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple from 520-515 BCE, in an attempt to earn loyalty from the people. But some wonder if the people of Jerusalem truly needed a new temple. New "2nd" temples were constructed, and there was a conflict between the pro-temple and the anti-temple population.
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