The temple complex covered some 1.2 hectares and was dominated by the Great Temple, an enormous structure with vaults and columns that once rose to 30 metres. The city was famed for its fusion of Greek, Mesopotamian, Canaanite, Aramean and Arabian pantheons, known in Aramaic as Beiṯ Ĕlāhā ("House of God"). There were about thirteen temples in the temple complex.

The city had temples to Nergal (Assyrian-Babylonian and Akkadian), Hermes (Greek), Atargatis (Syro-Aramaean), Allat, Shamiyyah (Arabian), and Shamash (the Mesopotamian sun god). Other deities mentioned in the Hatran Aramaic inscriptions were the Aramaean Ba'al Shamayn, and the female deity known as Ashurbel, which was perhaps the assimilation of the two deities the Assyrian god Ashur and the Babylonian Bel—despite their being individually masculine.

circa 300 BCE- 241 CE

Pre-Parthian Period
The origins of Hatra, located in modern-day Iraq, date back to the Seleucid period (late 3rd to 2nd century BCE). Archaeological evidence suggests that it began as a modest settlement influenced by Hellenistic urban design and culture. During this time, it served as a minor trade post on caravan routes connecting Mesopotamia with Arabia and beyond, blending Greek and Mesopotamian cultural elements.

Parthian Period
Hatra rose to prominence under Parthian rule (1st century BCE – 2nd century CE), evolving into a significant city-state within the Parthian Empire. Its strategic location on trade routes allowed it to thrive economically and culturally. The city was renowned for its syncretic religious practices, combining Greek, Mesopotamian, and Arabian deities, and its impressive fortifications, including massive mudbrick and stone walls supported by towers. Hatra's autonomy as a semi-independent city-state under Parthian suzerainty marked its golden age.

Roman Interaction
During the 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE, Hatra's location made it a buffer between the Roman and Parthian (later Sasanian) empires. It resisted several Roman sieges, notably by Emperor Trajan in 116 CE and Emperor Septimius Severus around 198 CE. These successes were attributed to its strong defensive walls and the loyalty of its inhabitants, who were known for their military prowess. The city also maintained economic and diplomatic ties with both empires while retaining its independence.

Sasanian Period
The rise of the Sasanian Empire in the early 3rd century CE marked the decline of Hatra's autonomy. In 241 CE, the city was besieged and ultimately captured by the Sasanian king Shapur I. Hatra’s destruction marked the end of its significance as a trade hub and religious center. The Sasanians likely dismantled its defenses and depopulated the city, leaving it as a historical ruin.

Post-Antiquity (Modern Excavations and Restoration)
After its fall, Hatra was abandoned and gradually fell into obscurity. The ruins, rediscovered by Western explorers in the 19th century, revealed the city’s architectural and cultural significance. Its temples, palaces, and sculptures showcased a fusion of Greco-Roman, Parthian, and Mesopotamian artistic traditions, earning Hatra recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Subsequent archaeological excavations have contributed to our understanding of its unique role in ancient history.

circa 100-200 CE

Maran Temple
The Maran Temple in Hatra was dedicated to the deity Maran, a title often interpreted as "Our Lord," though its precise identity remains debated among scholars. Constructed during the city’s zenith in the Parthian period (1st–2nd century CE), the temple was part of Hatra’s extensive religious complex, showcasing the city’s architectural ingenuity and syncretic religious practices. Its design featured elements of both Greco-Roman and Mesopotamian architecture, including grand columns, vaulted ceilings, and intricate carvings that reflected the city’s role as a cultural crossroads. The temple served as a focal point for religious ceremonies and a symbol of Hatra’s wealth and political autonomy. Despite its ruinous state, the Maran Temple remains a key source for understanding Hatra’s religious and artistic legacy.

circa 100-200 CE

Shahiru Temple
The Shahiru Temple in Hatra was dedicated to Shahiru, a deity possibly associated with the underworld or protective functions in Hatra’s pantheon. Built during the city’s Parthian period (1st–2nd century CE), the temple exemplifies the architectural and cultural fusion characteristic of Hatra. Its structure combined Mesopotamian religious elements with Hellenistic influences, evident in its rectangular layout, carved niches, and use of monumental columns. The temple’s strategic placement within Hatra’s sacred precinct underscored its significance in the religious hierarchy of the city. Rituals and offerings conducted in the temple likely played a central role in the city’s spiritual and civic life. Today, the remnants of the Shahiru Temple provide critical insights into Hatra’s religious diversity and architectural sophistication.

circa 100-200 CE

Triad Temple
The Triad Temple in Hatra was dedicated to a triad of deities, commonly identified as Maran, Atargatis, and Nergal, representing a syncretic blend of local and regional religious traditions. Constructed during the Parthian period (1st–2nd century CE), the temple was a prominent structure within Hatra’s sacred complex. Its design reflected the city's architectural advancements, featuring a large central hall surrounded by smaller chambers, vaulted ceilings, and intricate reliefs. The temple served as a center for religious ceremonies and offerings, emphasizing Hatra's status as a religious melting pot. The triadic worship symbolized the unity of diverse cultural influences, blending Arabian, Mesopotamian, and Hellenistic traditions. The ruins of the Triad Temple remain vital for understanding the city’s religious and cultural integration.

circa

According to John M. Rosenfield, the statuary of Hatra belong to the Parthian cultural sphere, with numerous similarities in terms of clothing, decorative elements or posture, which tend to be massive and frontal, with feet often splayed. The architecture of Hatra itself is generally seen as an example of Parthian architecture. Similarities can be seen with the Art of the Kushans as well, due either to direct cultural exchanges between the area of Mesopotamia and the Kushan Empire at that time, or from a common Parthian artistic background leading to similar types of representation.