The Temple of the Sun
Stone columns and arches.
Staff Sgt. JoAnn Makinano — Public domain · Staff Sgt. JoAnn Makinano — Public domain · Staff Sgt. JoAnn Makinano — Public domain · Staff Sgt. JoAnn Makinano — Public domain · Staff Sgt. JoAnn Makinano — Public domain
Hatra is an ancient city in the desert south-west of Mosul, once the capital of an Arab kingdom and a fortified caravan town between Rome and Persia. It is considered the richest known archaeological site of the Parthian era, and UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1985. Its stone columns and arches make a majestic scene on empty land. It flourished in the 2nd century AD on caravan trade, and its walls held out against Roman attacks. The Sasanians destroyed it in the 3rd century, and it was deserted. Its ruins were discovered in the 19th century, with the first Hatran inscriptions found in 1937. It has suffered damage in recent years, and work continues to conserve and record it. At the centre of the circular city is a large complex of temples and tall iwans, the best known being the Temple of the Sun with its columns and arches, blending Greek, Persian and local styles. You walk through broad courts between stone walls carved with faces. Most of the site's statues are now kept in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad. It is about 93 km in a straight line from Mosul and needs a car, a driver and perhaps a permit in advance, so do not go without arrangements. Bring water, food and a hat, as there are no confirmed facilities. The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to this area, and access may not be possible, so check official guidance before making any plans.
Stone columns and arches.
Greek, Persian and local styles.
Faces on the walls.
South-west of Mosul, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq
One may be needed, so arrange your visit in advance with a trusted local operator.
Most are in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, which has halls dedicated to them.