Volubilis Ruins

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

　　     The Volubilis ruins are located about 30 km north of Meknes. Historical records indicate that in the 1st century AD, this was a thriving city, full of vitality. 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—and named it Volubilis. It 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 place where the Romans had official contact with the Berbers, who could never be fully conquered, cooperating only when mutually beneficial.

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

　　 Rabat, Morocco