Note: Ancient Mesopotamian city on right bank of Euphrates River; flourished throughout early dynastic period; was important artistic center, and was the commercial and political focus of western Asia by 1800 BCE; conquered by Hammurabi ca. 1700 BCE. Site of the Temple of Ishtar. Located on the west bank of the Euphrates River in present-day Syria. Its strategic location made Mari a very important city during ancient times.