Noble, wise King Sardanapolo and his more soft and naive younger brother Prince Sammash get into a bitter feud over the affections of sweet and alluring innocent peasant girl Mirra. Meanwhile, the treacherous and ruthlessly ambitious General Arbace plots against both siblings.—Woodyanders

The Assirian army destroys Mirra's village and kills her parents, and the beautiful girl is brought to the capital, Ninive, to live at king Sardanapalo's palace. Mirra eventually falls in love with Shammash, the king's brother, but Sardanapalo wants her, too, and their friendship is at risk.—Artemis-9