Mariamne, a tragedy, ignites conflict when the titular queen faces the wrath of Herod the Great, driven by jealousy and suspicion. The play explores the volatile dynamics within Herod's court, where political intrigue and personal vendettas threaten to consume the royal family. Mariamne, a Hasmonean princess, finds herself at the center of a storm, her fate intertwined with Herod's volatile temper and the machinations of his sister, Salome. The narrative unfolds within the confines of the royal palace, a stage for both public pronouncements and private betrayals, as the characters grapple with power, love, and the specter of death.

Elijah Fenton's tragedy, Mariamne, was first performed at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln's Inn Fields. The play adheres to the conventions of classical tragedy, focusing on a historical or biblical subject matter with a somber tone and a focus on the downfall of its protagonists. Its reception likely aligned with the dramatic tastes of the early 18th century, emphasizing elevated language and moralistic themes. The work contributes to the tradition of English dramatic literature, exploring timeless human passions within a historical framework.