Cyrus Cylinder (Artifact) Reached Iran

The British Museum has settled a dispute with Iran's national museum over the loan of ancient Persian treasure the Cyrus Cylinder.

In February, the museum in Tehran said it would cut all ties with its British counterpart in protest at a decision to delay an agreed loan of the artefact.

But officials in Tehran now say the 2,500-year-old cylinder has arrived "under special security".

The piece, discovered in Iraq in 1879, will be displayed for four months.

Persian king Cyrus ordered the cylinder to be made following the conquest of Babylon.
Historians regard it as the world's first declaration of human rights and it is valued by people around the world as a symbol of tolerance and respect for different peoples and faiths.

Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, said: "You could almost say that the Cyrus Cylinder is a history of the Middle East in one object.

"It is a link to a past which we all share and to a key moment in history that has shaped the world around us."

The artefact was last displayed in Iran 40 years ago.

In September, the British Museum said it would have to delay handing over of the cylinder due to unspecified "practicalities".

Iran's cultural heritage spokesman Hamid Baghai told Reuters news agency at the time that the organisation had cut all its relations with the British Museum and would no longer co-operate with British officials.

Baroness Helen Kennedy QC, a human rights lawyer and trustee of the British Museum, said: "It is absolutely right that the British Museum fulfils its promise to loan it to the museum in Tehran.

"Art and culture can sustain relationships between the people of nations even when diplomacy is strained."

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4th Of July

The Fourth of July is the federal holiday in the United States that celebrates the country’s

adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.  On this day, the colonies

declared their independence from Great Britian and the king’s rule.

On the 4th of July, fireworks display across the sky, as Americans of many races all

celebrate the important date in American History.  In fact back in 2009, New York City held

the biggest fireworks display in the entire United States, firing off a little over 22 tons

of pyrotechnics.  Others celebrate the holiday with cookouts and picnics displaying the

American flag proudly.

Fun Facts About 4th of july

In 1778, George Washington celebrated the fourth of july by giving his soldiers a double

ration of rum and a salute via artillery.
In 1791, the term “Independence Day” was officially recorded for the first time.
In 1870, Congress decided to make the fourth of july an unpaid holiday.
Then in 1938, Congress reinstated the frouth of july as a paid holiday.
When the Declaration of Independence was signed, there were over 50 men who were present.

Of those men, eight did not sign the Declaration.  Famous signers of the declaration of

Independence include John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Samuel Adams, John

Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Penn.  July 4th has never been the same ever since.

Those going to parks will be sure to see banners reading “Happy 4th of July” and various

other 4th of july decorations.  Later in the night the fireworks displays will be lighting

up the skies celebrating the Independence Day of the United States of America.  During the

day barbecues will be making the air smell great.  Check out this guide for Secret

Restaurant Recipes to make a special 4th of July meal

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