Cyrus, emperor of Persia, proactively facilitates the return of the Jews from Babylon to Israel. There wee two waves of returnees, 40,000+, and 5,000+. Cyrus also arranged the return of the sacred (Jewish Temple) vessels, which had been taken from Temple I by Nebuchadnezzar. He also provides funding and total political support for the rebuilding of the Temple. Cyrus emerges as the pivotal and key player in the building of Temple II.