WAR GODS OF BABYLON (THE SEVEN THUNDERBOLTS OF ASSUR, 1952)

WAR GODS OF BABYLON (THE SEVEN THUNDERBOLTS OF ASSUR, 1962) is a 1962 Italian color film set in ancient Mesopotamia. The film anachronistically portrays as contemporaries several figures who historically lived hundreds of years apart. Mirra, a young girl whose parents were killed by the Assyrians, was found by Zoroaster, the prophet, near her slaughtered people. He leads her to Nineveh ruled by King Sardanapalus. A love is born between her and Shammash, brother of the king. Sardanapalus loves her too and realizing that this passion could create discord with his brother appoints Shammash king of Babylon and sends him there with Mirra. Nevertheless, brothers still feud over Mirra and the treacherous and ruthlessly ambitious General Arbace plots against both siblings. There are some anachronisms that detract from the film's historicity, but the inclusion of Zoroaster is welcome.