Hatra. Maranos Temple, second half of the second c. CE (photograph by Erik Bonnier)

Today Hatra, which remains mostly unexcavated, is in a very worrying state of conservation. Parts of the site have been fenced off to protect it from possible looting, including the small site museum, while the authorities do not have the resources required to implement an appropriate management and conservation policy. Despite this, some restoration works have resumed recently, and an Italian archaeological expedition has continued to work at the site almost uninterruptedly since 1987.

This carved head, here seen in its original location inserted in the eastern Wall of Hatra, was stolen in 1995. Discovered in London by a member of the Italian Archaeological Mission, it was recently returned to the Iraqi authorities with the help of Scotland Yard. (from "Hatra, Citta' del Sole" catalogue of an exhibition organized by the Italian Archaeological Mission to Hatra)
	Hatra. In the year 2000, the entrance to the main Temple has been sealed to prevent possible looting. (photograph by G.Boccardi, UNESCO WHC)