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
Sala Colonia Roman ruins, Rabat, Morocco
Sala Colonia, Roman ruins in Rabat, Morocco
During our brief visit to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, we visited the Roman ruins of Sala Colonia. These ancient buildings are impressive and inspiring due to their age; we have nothing like this here in Australia. While I tried to do a little birding here, I was only moderately successful due to my fascination with this place (see Trevor’s Birding).
Our guide was full of interesting historical facts, most of which I have now forgotten. I should have taken a recorder with me, as his presentation was not only filled with information, he was also humorous. He was quite a character.
Sala Colonia, Roman ruins in Rabat, Morocco
Sala Colonia, Roman ruins in Rabat, Morocco
Sala Colonia, Roman ruins in Rabat, Morocco
Sala Colonia Roman ruins, Chellah, Rabat, Morocco
Roman ruins of Sala Colonia in Rabat, Morocco
I have lived all of my life in Australia. Our country has a long and ancient heritage in our Aboriginal history, but nothing in the way of ancient buildings. The Aboriginal rock carvings are often millennia old and totally absorbing as such. Because of their lifestyle, the Australian Aboriginal people did not need to build impressive buildings like we see in Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.
So when we visited Morocco we naturally marvelled at the age of some of the old Roman ruins. Our guides were meticulous in relating the historical significance of places like these Roman ruins of Sala Colonia in Rabat. I was not aware before this of the Roman influence on life in Morocco.
Totally fascinating.
More photos coming tomorrow.
Roman ruins of Sala Colonia in Rabat, Morocco
Roman ruins of Sala Colonia in Rabat, Morocco