Restoration project in the ancient city of Hatra - in pictures

After ISIS destroyed much of the site, renovation work is set to begin in the Iraqi city

Iraq's ancient city of Hatra, in the northern region of al-Hadar, 105 kilometres south of Mosul. AFP

Iraqi archaeology officials at a ceremony in Hatra to unveil restored sculptures that were vandalised by ISIS militants. AFP

In 2015 ISIS militants released video footage showing their destruction of artefacts at the ancient site. AFP

A restored sculpture in Hatra, which was a major trading post in the first and second centuries AD. AFP

The militants destroyed or damaged much of what were once extensive remains of what was one of the leading trade entrepots between the Roman and Parthian empires. AFP

Hatra was the capital of an Arab kingdom that flourished in the first and second centuries AD, but by the third century it had been destroyed and deserted. AFP

Iraqis perform a traditional dance during the ceremony to unveil restored sculptures at the site. AFP

The historic ruins were discovered in the 19th century and in 1985 the city was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site. AFP

A statue in Hatra. ISIL extremists in 2015 released footage of their destruction of artefacts in which they took guns and pick axes to the once extensive remains of what was one of the leading trade centres between the Roman and Parthian empires in the first and second centuries AD. AFP

The ancient city of Hatra before the ceremony to announce the renovation project. Reuters

The 2,000-year-old Iraqi city was destroyed by ISIS militants in 2015. Reuters

An ancient bridge between East and West, Hatra was possibly the first Arab kingdom in the chain of cities that included Palmyra, Baalbek and Petra. Reuters

Hatra's Unesco-listed ruins are among the most impressive archaeological sites in Iraq. Reuters

A statue inside the ancient city. Reuters

Hatra was one of Iraq's leading tourist attractions before it was destroyed by the extremists. Reuters

A crane right next to the Temple of Allat, which is located in the ancient city of Hatra. Reuters

More from The National

A look inside a traditional Palestinian dress shop – in pictures

Former Iraqi athlete overcomes life-threatening challenges – in pictures

Libyan Interior Ministry graduation ceremony – in pictures

Opening of Mosul University's new Central Library – in pictures

Storks gather at Jordan Valley landfill – in pictures