Volubilis

Volubilis is an amazing ruined city about five kilometers from Moulay Idriss. Its origins are Berber and it may have been the capitol of the Kingdom of Mauretania around the time of King Juba II (25 B.C.E. to 23 C.E.) Later, it grew significantly under Roman rule from the first century, but fell to local tribes around 285, and was never recaptured given its position on the edge of the then-failing empire. The city continued to be inhabited for the next 700 years, first by Latinized Christians, and later as an Islamic settlement. It was the initial seat of power of the Idrissid dynasty starting in the late 8th century, but by the 11th century, the seat of power moved to Fes, and the remaining citizens moved to the nearby, new city of Moulay Idriss leaving Volubilis abandoned.

Not surprisingly, the ruins are primarily from the Roman era, and include amazing mosaic floors (even the local cats are impressed).

The site is impressively large, and you can see where the major avenues in the city were based on the columns.

In addition, Volubilis was important enough to have large public buildings such as a basillica, a temple and a triumphal arch.

There were many other interesting things to see at the site, including amazingly balanced arches, unusual twisted columns and fantastic views both of Moulay Idriss and the surrounding countryside.

Volubilis was one of our favorite sites in Morocco. We enjoyed walking among the ruins despite the gray and cloudy day, especially since it was not overrun with tourists. 

More to come from the ancient (but still existing) city of Fes.

Jeff and Shana