Roman ruins, Volubilis, Morocco

Roman ruins, Volubilis, Morocco

After leaving Meknes we travelled on towards Fes, stopping along the way to visit the ancient ruins of the Roman town of Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage site turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip for me – one out of many highlights, I might add. Before this, I had no idea that the Romans had once occupied a part of what is now Morocco. I knew from my studies in history that their empire was extensive, but never realised it had extended so far west in Africa.

We had several hours to wander around the extensive site, our guide giving us an excellent insight into life in those times. The town, once with about 20,000 inhabitants, was settled in the third century BC by the Pheonicians. Under Roman rule in the first century AD it thrived as a trading centre set in the fertile farming around around it. It eventually became the cultural and administrative centre of that part of Morocco, until the seat of power moved to Fes in the 11th century. The town existed for at least another 700 years, first as a Christian settlement and later Islamic.

You can read more of its extensive history here.

Over coming days I will share many more photos of this amazing place.

Roman ruins, Volubilis, Morocco

Roman ruins, Volubilis, Morocco