Hatra

Hatra

Hatra was a major military stronghold of the Parthian Kingdom. In 116 AD and 198 AD, it successfully repelled multiple attacks by the Romans, largely thanks to its tall, solid, and thick city walls and fortress. The ruins of this ancient city, especially the temple structures that blend Greco-Roman architectural styles with Eastern decorative elements, showcase the brilliance of the Parthian civilization. The ancient city of Hatra was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

The ancient city of Hatra is circular in shape, surrounded by double-layered city walls, which also feature castles and towers. Within the city, there are many temples built on a rectangular sacred enclosure, surrounded by a wall consisting of seven gates. The surviving grand temple still stands proudly here. The temple has a concave structure, with the main gate in the center, flanked by side corridors. Its roof is prominent with multiple layers of lines, supported by massive stone pillars, giving it a majestic presence. The Sun Temple within the city is renowned for its precious ritual offerings. The front of the temple gate features a stone sculpture of Medusa, the snake-haired gorgon from Greek mythology, with the name of the craftsman who founded the city inscribed at the base. Inside the temple is enshrined a “sacred eagle,” whose remarkably lifelike sculpture earns praise from every visitor.