Ruins of Volubilis

Ruins of Volubilis

The capital of Mauretania was established in the 3rd century BC as an important outpost of the Roman Empire, featuring many elegant buildings. A large number of archaeological sites are located in a fertile agricultural region. This place later served as the capital of the Idrisid dynasty for a period, and the founder of the dynasty, Idris I, is buried near Moulay Idris.

The ruins of Volubilis are located about 30 kilometers north of Meknes. According to records, in the 1st century AD, this was once a bustling city, thriving with prosperity. Today, well-preserved white stone columns of the triumphal arch and theater remain. Even the streets, residential houses, oil mills, public baths, markets, and more of the ancient city are still clearly visible, along with many mosaic frescoes. A large number of exquisitely crafted bronze statues and marble busts have been excavated from the ruins.

Volubilis is an ancient Roman ruin with a long history. In the 1st century AD, the Romans established a settlement—possibly on the site of a former Carthaginian city—called Volubilis, which gradually developed into one of the central administrative cities of the Roman Empire in Africa, responsible for producing and exporting grain to the empire. Volubilis was also the site where Romans had official contact with the ever-elusive Berbers, cooperating only when mutually beneficial.

Unlike many other Roman cities, the Romans did not abandon Volubilis after losing their foothold in Africa in the 3rd century. Latin continued to be spoken for several centuries until it was replaced by Arabic following the Arab conquest of North Africa in the late 7th century. People continued to live in Volubilis for over 1,000 years afterward. The site was first abandoned in the 18th century, when materials were taken from it to build palaces for the Moulays near Meknes. It is conceivable that if Volubilis had not been dismantled, it might have become one of the best-preserved Roman ruins today. The main section of Volubilis—and the only part that attracts Moroccan and foreign visitors—is an area of approximately 800×600 meters (measured by its walls). With a good guidebook, you won’t need to hire a guide at the entrance. Many of the finest unearthed artifacts have been sent to the Archaeological Museum near the Royal Palace in Rabat. Nevertheless, the ruins of Volubilis are still highly valuable. Around 30 mosaic panels remain standing in their original locations. Entry to Volubilis costs around 20 dirhams.

Rabat, Morocco