Hatra

　　Hatra was a major military stronghold of the Parthian Kingdom. In 116 AD and 198 AD, it successfully repelled multiple Roman attacks, largely thanks to its tall, thick walls and fortress. The ruins of this city, especially its temples that blend Greco-Roman architectural styles with Eastern decorative features, showcase the glory 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 equipped with castles and towers. Inside the city, there are many temples built on a rectangular sacred enclosure, which is surrounded by a wall with seven gates. The surviving grand temples still stand proudly here. The temple structure is concave, with a large central gate flanked by side corridors. The roof projects outward with multiple layers of lines, supported by massive stone pillars, creating a majestic atmosphere. The Sun Temple within the city is renowned for its precious ritual artifacts. The front of the temple gate features a stone carving of Medusa, the snake-haired gorgon from Greek mythology, with the name of the city’s founding craftsman engraved at the base. Inside the temple is a statue of the “sacred eagle,” whose lifelike carving impresses every visitor.