559–530 B.C.
Relationship to Israel: Conquered Babylon. Established a policy of returning exiles to their homelands. Sent Zerubbabel to Jerusalem, financed his project, and returned the gold and silver articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple. He probably knew Daniel.
522–486 B.C.
Relationship to Israel: Supported construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
486–465 B.C.
Relationship to Israel: Was Esther’s husband. Allowed the Jews to protect themselves against Haman’s attempt to eliminate their people.
465–424 B.C.
Relationship to Israel: Had Nehemiah as his cup-bearer. Allowed both Ezra and Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem.