One of the most amazing places to visit in Morocco are the Roman ruins at Volubilis located near Meknes between Fez and Rabat. One meaning of Volubilis is “sculpture” maybe because of the many sculptures that were present on this place. Another meaning of the name in Latin is “Morning Glory”.
Volubilis developed as a Phoenician/Carthaginian settlement from the 3rd century BC. In the 2nd century this outpost became one of the Roman Empire most far-flung. Some of the most noticeable buildings are the basilica, temple and triumphal arc.
Entrance Street
Image by Borxa Toxa via Flickr
Arch of Caracalla (Triumphal Arch)
The Arch of Caracalla is one of the most distinctive sights of this ancient city. It is located at the end of the city’s main street.
Image by jeremy Seto via Flickr
Image by Irene Tejarachi Hess via Flickr
After the Romans, Volubilis continued to be inhavited for centuries. Arabs has arrived in 708 and changed its name to Oualila or Walīlī.
Roman Mosaic
Image by blueSkySunHigh via Flickr
In the Islamic period Volubilis remained to be the capital of the region. Islamic coints dating from 8th century have been found on the site of this ruins.
Plinth at Forum
Image by Chris Martin via Flickr
The City’s Basilica
The Basilica was used for the administration of justice and the governance of the city.
Image by Paul Barker Hemings via Flickr
Image by Gregory Suzor via Flickr
Image by blueSkySunHigh via Flickr
Image by Mark A Neal – HDR4real.com via Flickr
The Capitoline Temple
The Capitoline Temple is located behind the basilica and had been an arcaded courtyard.
Image by Mark A Neal – HDR4real.com via Flickr
In 1997 the archaeological site of Volubilis was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Ruins of Volubilis, Morocco
Image by yellow magpie via Flickr
