The Fall of Nineveh

The Fall of Nineveh is a long poem written in blank verse by Edwin Atherstone. The poem has thirty parts, with an introduction called a Prelude. Atherstone worked on this poem for many years, and it was published between 1828 and 1868.

The story tells about the fights and events during a big war. In the war, a group made up of the Medes and Babylonians fought against the Assyrians. The poem shows what happened during this time, giving readers a look at the history and drama of the conflict.

Plot

The main heroes in this story are Sardanapalus, the King of Nineveh and the Assyrian Empire; Arbaches, a prince from Medes; and a Babylonian priest named Belesis. Sardanapalus is shown as a cruel and selfish ruler. When he is defeated by Arbaches, he burns down his palace with everyone inside and dies in the fire. This leads to the end of the city of Nineveh.

Excerpt

The poem talks about the great city of Nineveh and how it was once very powerful. Many kings respected and followed it. The poem describes how this mighty city eventually lost its power and disappeared, like a bright star falling from the sky. This is the main theme of the story.