Sardanapalus

Sardanapalus , in the Persica of Ctesias , an Assyrian monarch who lived in great luxury. He was besieged in Nineveh by the Medes for two years, at the end of which time he set fire to his palace and burned himself and his court to death. Byron wrote a tragedy on the theme. The identity of Sardanapalus is a complete mystery, as the facts given in the legend certainly do not fit those of the life of Assurbanipal , with whom some have tried to identify him.

Sardanapalus the name given by ancient Greek historians to the last king of Assyria (died before 600 bc), portrayed as being notorious for his wealth and sensuality. It may not represent a specific historical person.

Sardanapalus, a poetic drama by Lord Byron, published 1821.

The subject was taken from the Bibliotheca Historica of Siculus. Sardanapalus is represented as an effete but courageous monarch. When Beleses, a Chaldean soothsayer, and Arabaces, governor of Media, lead a revolt against him, he shakes off his slothful luxury and, urged on by Myrrha, his favourite Greek slave, fights bravely at the head of his troops. Defeated, he arranges for the safety of his queen, Zarina, and of his supporters, then prepares a funeral pyre round his throne and perishes in it with Myrrha.