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Hatra

Hatra
Photo provided by Scott King
Hatra is a ruined city that can be considered as the symbol of Parthian power which for a long time threatened that of Rome. As centre of the empire, it flourished during the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. It was a fortified city of circular design.

Hatra is located in the Al-Jazirah region of present-day northern Iraq, 180 miles (290 km) northwest of Baghdad.

Hatra was added to the World Heritage List as the first site in Iraq.




Year Decision Comments
1985 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1983DeferredDeferred as conditions under which recommendation made not yet fulfilled
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Reviews

Mike Taylor (USA):
Hatra was a very impressive place. I was there in 2003 with the 101st airborne. There was a unit there securing the site from looters. The man who was the caretqaker there gave us a tour. I remember walking in to the city itself, the plaza was impressive, there was an arena fairly close to an altar to one of the gods I believe. The main building held the throne room, the court room and a temple. For me it was my first trip into something that old. I loved it.
 


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