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SITE ID - NAME :	H3	Hatra
ANCIENT NAME :	-
OTHER NAME :	Al Hadr
LOCATION :	North Iraq, Mosul
CHRONOLOGY :	Late Historic
PERIOD CODE :	16 17
DESCRIPTION :	Parthian city near the Wadi Tharthar in northern Iraq. The site is round, 320 ha in size and surrounded by two concentric walls. Located in its centre was a large administrative complex and a group of temples. The most important is the temple dedicated to the Shamash or Sun God; other heavenly bodies had temples of their own. The group of temples has been partly restored and exemplifies the unique Hatran architecture: an elegant combination of eastern and western influences. A large palace was situated near the north gate. In the south and east were two mausolea. Apparently, this isolated city was mainly engaged in caravan trade. It defended itself successfully against Roman attacks, but fell to the rising power of the Sassanian rulers (Shapur 1) in AD 240. Hatra is well-known for its large stone human Parthian sculpture, among which is a beautiful statue of Sanatruq II.
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