The architecture of Hatra

• Main Author: Baqqain, Hanna Suleiman Issa
• Published: University of Birmingham 1988
• Subjects: 200.9
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.540548

This study provides a full description of the architecture of Hatra. It investigates some problems relevant to the design and function of buildings. The thesis is composed of two volumes, the first contains the text, the second holds the illustrations. The text is divided into five parts. Part one concerns the location of Hatra, early activities in the region, choice of site, factors for the rise and prosperity of the city, explorations and excavations, and the history of Hatra. Part two investigates three topics: the plan of the city, fortifications, and the rectangular enclosure and the porticoes on it. The third part deals with the buildings in the city. It comprises, five topics: the great temples, the small shrines, the Bouleuterion of Hatra, dwellings and tombs. Part four discusses materials and methods of construction. It is divided into two major sections; the first discusses materials used in the construction of the buildings of the city, while the second studies the methods that the Hatrans architects followed in the construction-of the walls, doors, windows, roofs, floors, altars and columns of their buildings. Part five by way of conclusion discusses the general trends and characteristics of the architecture of Hatra, and the most essential factors which had determined them. Thus it is hoped that this thesis achieves a comprehensive account of the architecture of Hatra, a topic that has not been adequately investigated before.