'Activists held' at King Cyrus tomb in Iran Published duration 31 October 2016

image copyright Reuters image caption The tomb of Cyrus the Great is in Pasargadae, southern Iran

Iran's authorities have arrested several organisers of a demonstration at the tomb of pre-Islamic King Cyrus the Great, local media report.

They say the activists were detained for violating "the values" of the Islamic Republic of Iran and chanting nationalistic slogans.

Sunday's rally was held in Pasargadae, 630km (390 miles) south of Tehran.

Cyrus, who ruled in the 6th Century BC, reputedly established the first universal declaration of human rights.

Activists believe that 30 October marks the day Cyrus conquered Babylon in modern-day Iraq and declared all peoples equal in his Achaemenid Empire.

He is said to have freed slaves, including thousands of Jews.

On Sunday, thousands of people reportedly gathered around the ancient tomb in the desert - despite attempts by the police to block the roads and divert traffic in the area.

Iranian nationalists have marked the "Day of Cyrus" for the past several years - but not in such large numbers.

Related Topics Iran