The libretto, by Felice Romani, is based on the Greek myth of Medea and the plays on the theme by Euripides and Pierre Corneille.

Medea in Corinto was first performed at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples on 28 November 1813 and was Mayr's greatest theatrical success.

Jason (Giasone) has rejected his former wife, Medea, in favour of Creusa, daughter of King Creon (Creonte) of Corinth.

As Jason and Creusa are being married in the temple, Medea bursts in with Aegeus's soldiers and a fight breaks out as they attempt to carry off the bride and bridegroom.

She kills Creusa with a poisoned robe then stabs her own – and Jason's – children to death, before making her escape in a chariot pulled by flying dragons.