The empire known for practicing a form of tolerant governance that allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem is the Persian Empire, specifically under the rule of Cyrus the Great. In the 6th century B.C., after conquering Babylon, Cyrus issued the Edict of Cyrus, permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. This act of tolerance and religious freedom was notable for its time and marked a significant turn in Jewish history. Cyrus's policies fostered a diverse and multicultural society, allowing various religious and ethnic groups to coexist, which contributed to the remarkable stability and prosperity of the Persian Empire.