A name that is not mentioned much anymore. However, in previous centuries it was widely used, and in fact many literate people believed he was the last Assyrian king. In truth, he never existed, but he was a useful legend.

The lives of our leaders have always been the source of stories that went far beyond the historical truth. Sometimes it was historical propaganda, either positive or negative. 

Sardanapalus became the archetype of the  dissolute king who lived a life of drunkenness, of surrounding himself with decadence, and complete immorality.

The question can be raised whether the legend inspired actual events, or did events inspire the legend.

Most academics believe Sardanapalus was based upon Ashurbanipal, known for his military success and well organized empire. Nothing in the historical record of his decadence. Not that decadent leaders didn’t exist, we have Nero, Caligula, but Sardanapalus seems to be entirely fictional.

As a fictional archetype he has been the source of some incredible art. At first there are the published written works of Ctesias,  Diodorus,  Cassius Dio, and even Aristotle. 

In classic Greek sculpture there is even a style that was based what Sardanapalus may have looked like. And of course, in the Romantic Period of paintings, several were made to show the man and his decadence, notably, “The Death of Sardanapalus” by Eugene Delacroix.

In modern times, our leaders are less decadent, but our fictional drug lords have plenty of exposure. Al Pacino’s Cuban gang leader Tony Montana in “Scarface” is probably the best example.

The basic legend is that after years of decadence, the leader finally tries to exert control, causing great violence, but fails, then dies in complete defeat. It is a great cautionary tale.

It is interesting to note that the historical decadent leaders actually occurred after hundreds of years of the written fictional model. Almost as if they were given a road map to follow.

Bertolt Brecht put it, “Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it.