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© The Trustees of the British Museum/Art Resource, NY

ESARHADDON PRISM. The text Nineveh A recounts the story of Esarhaddon’s rise to power and rule. Even though Esarhaddon is not the oldest son of his father Sennacherib, he is nevertheless made Sennacherib’s heir apparent—to the chagrin of his older brothers. Jealous, his brothers try to undermine him, and Esarhaddon is forced to take refuge away from the capital Nineveh. After his brothers treacherously murder their father, Esarhaddon returns and claims the throne. Dated to 673–672 B.C.E., the Esarhaddon Prism at the British Museum preserves a copy of Nineveh A. Made of clay, the prism has a flat base and slightly convex top.