Volubilis

Volubilis ( Latin ), today Arab Walili, is an archaeological site in Morocco near Meknes in the same Wilaya Meknes, Fez and Rabat between, about 2.5 km north- west of Moulay Idris.

It shows the best preserved ruins from the Roman Empire in this part of northern Africa. In 1997, she was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman city on the western edge of the Roman dominions. The city was probably founded by 25 under Juba II, possibly at the site of a Carthaginian settlement from the 3rd century BC, first traces of settlement date back to the Neolithic period.

Volubilis was the administrative center of the province of Mauretania Tingitana. The grain produced fertile land and olive oil, which brought the province through export to Rome wealth and prosperity. Another important source of revenue for the city and the Berber tribes was the export of that time still living in the north of the Maghreb wild animals ( elephants, lions, leopards ) in the arenas of Rome. The city had its heyday with up to 10,000 inhabitants under the Emperor Septimius Severus ( 193-211 ). Middle of the 3rd century, was moved to some Berber raids the administrative headquarters to Tingis (Tangier ). After ingestion by the Berber settlement under the name Oualili capital of Auraba - Berber was.

The Romans lost North Africa in the 5th century, the Vandals, Volubilis was not abandoned in contrast to many other cities. Latin remained here even until the Arab conquest in the 7th century in use. In the year 789 the inhabitants were converted to Islam by Idris I.. The city survived until the 18th century, was subsequently destroyed and part of the marble was used for constructions in nearby Meknes. 1915 French archaeologists began with the first excavations.

Attractions

  • Basilica
  • Spas
  • Temple of Jupiter
  • The Capitol
  • Caracalla arch, triumphal arch dating from the 3rd century
  • Mosaics
  • Forum
  • Granary
  • Oil press

Gallery

  • VOLUBILIS

Caracalla arc

View the Decumanus Maximus along northeast to Tangertor

Forum

Overview northbound

Mosaic: mythical singer Orpheus in the district of North African Animals

Gallery view

Capitol

Basilica

Mosaic: Diana emerges from her bath

Mosaic: Seasons

Mosaic: Amphitions chariot

Mosaic of an acrobat

Mosaic with sea monsters

Volubilis ( Capitol )

Moroccan Arabic Moulay Idriss Zerhoun Berber people Idris I of Morocco Forum (Roman) Menara gardens El Jadida
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