Stratholme (Classic)

History

Stratholme

A large human city in Lordaeron, Stratholme was the base of key oil refineries in the Second War. The city's population was almost completely massacred by Arthas, who believed the citizens had become infected with the Undead plague; the majority of the survivors left with Jaina Proudmoore. When Arthas was called back to Northrend, the Lich, Kel'thuzad established Stratholme as his capital and constructed his citadel, known as Necropolis Naxxramas, above the ruined towers. Leading Scourge forces in the city below was a death knight known as Baron Rivendare, a former noble of Lordaeron who coordinated the efforts of the Lich King in the Plaguelands until his death at the hands of operatives in the employ of the Argent Dawn.

From the World Dungeons page on the official World of Warcraft Community Site:

Once the jewel of northern Lordaeron, the city of Stratholme is where Prince Arthas turned against his mentor, Uther Lightbringer, and slaughtered hundreds of his own subjects who were believed to have contracted the dreaded plague of undeath. Arthas' downward spiral and ultimate surrender to the Lich King soon followed. The broken city is now inhabited by the undead Scourge -- led by the powerful lich, Kel'thuzad. A contingent of Scarlet Crusaders, led by Grand Crusader Dathrohan, also holds a portion of the ravaged city. The two sides are locked in constant, violent combat. Those adventurers brave (or foolish) enough to enter Stratholme will be forced to contend with both factions before long. It is said that the city is guarded by three massive watchtowers, as well as powerful necromancers, banshees and abominations. There have also been reports of a malefic Death Knight riding atop an unholy steed, dispensing indiscriminate wrath on all those who venture within the realm of the Scourge.

Summary

Map at Worldofwar.net

• Also known as: Strat, Strath
• Found in: Eastern Plaguelands

Stratholme is basically divided into two parts, at least in the minds of players. Scarlet-Side, which goes from the main entrance into the Scarlet Crusade-controlled citadel, and Scourge-Side, which goes from the Service Entrance (which requires a key) to a Scourge Slaughterhouse.

Scarlet Side

The Scarlet Bastion

• Also known as: Scarlet, Scarlet Strath, Strath Live
• Enemy Level Range: 55-62
• End Boss: Grand Crusader Dathrohan/Balnazzar
• Mini Bosses:
  • Malor the Zealous
  • Archivist Galford
  • Cannonmaster Willey
  • Timmy the Cruel

Scourge Side

The Slaughterhouse - Where Barron Rivendare dwels

* Also known as: Undead Strath, Scourge Strath, Baron side, UD Strath

• Enemy Level Range: 55-62
• End Boss: Baron Rivendare
• Mini Bosses:
  • Magistrate Barthilas (drops key to Scourge side)
  • Baroness Anastari
  • Nerub'enkan
  • Maleki the Pallid
  • Ramstein the Gorger
• Also contains the entrance to a future instance, most likely Necropolis Naxxramas.