In the ancient text known to archaeologists as Nineveh A, Essarhaddon (or a scribe writing in his name) tells the story of his early life and how he came to succeed his father Sennacherib as king of Assyria in the 7th century BCE. The account, writes Megan Sauter, bears a notable resemblance to the biblical story of Joseph:
Both Joseph and Esarhaddon are the younger sons of their fathers, and both [have] fathers [who] favor them over their older brothers. In both of these instances, the sibling rivalry is so intense and bitter that [the favored sons] are forced to leave the land of their birth. While Joseph is sold as a slave by his brothers and taken to Egypt, Esarhaddon flees the Assyrian capital of Nineveh and takes refuge in the West for his own safety. Further, both of their fortunes are eventually restored. Beating incredible odds, they both rise to powerful positions: Joseph becomes second-in-command in Egypt, and Esarhaddon becomes king of Assyria. . . .
[But] there are also some significant differences . . . : whereas Joseph forgives his brothers and saves their lives, Esarhaddon does not reconcile with his offending brothers.
Read more on Bible History Daily: http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-near-eastern-world/joseph-and-esarhaddon-of-assyria/