Cyrus was the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, and in his lifetime it grew to be the greatest empire the world had ever known, leaving his successors a stable dynasty of many ancient kingdoms.

Persia's unique ability is Satrapies.

Persia gets a free Trade Route when Political Philosophy is unlocked, and bonuses to internal trade routes.

Their unique unit is the Immortal.

This swordsman replacement has a ranged attack, but a strong combat defense as well.

Persia also has the Pairidaeza as a unique improvement.

These tile improvements provide Culture, Gold, and Appeal, with bonuses for adjacent Districts and city centers.

Over time, they'll provide more yields as you advance through the tech and civic trees.

Cyrus's special ability is called “Fall of Babylon.”

After declaring a Surprise War, all Persian units get bonus movement.

Cyrus also takes less of a diplomatic penalty for declaring Surprise Wars.

While Persia can be very successful with sneak attacks, this is a civ that can grow strong over time through combinations of Wonders and the Pairidaeza.

You can play Persia to build up to an inexorable cultural victory, or grow rich to fund the victory of your choice.

Will future generations call you the King of Kings? How will you lead Persia in Sid Meier's Civilization VI?