Reinterpreting Hatra: Tracing Nature-Based and Resilient Design Principles in Ancient Urban forms

This paper re-examines archaeological and historical evidence from the ancient city of Hatra in northern Mesopotamia (2nd–3rd century CE) through the lens of recent architectural research, with particular attention to concepts such as nature-based solutions, resilience, and environmental adaptability. By adopting a comparative and dialogic approach—potentially extendable to other ancient sites—the study reveals how key elements of urban layout and architectural design possess deep historical roots, bridging traditional or vernacular practices and archaeological interpretation. Furthermore, recent developments in architectural and ethnoarchaeological research, especially those addressing environmental adaptation and habitation in climatically challenging contexts, offer valuable frameworks for reinterpreting ancient built environments. This preliminary investigation encourages further interdisciplinary exploration and advocates for the (re)integration of ancient construction techniques and knowledge, still relevant today, into contemporary practices, such as the planning and design of infrastructure for archaeological parks.