Just 60km from Fez in North Morocco Volubilis is home to some one of the finest Roman ruins in the world. In the eighth century, when Islam arrived in the region, the churches were destroyed, although locals continued to occupy the city until the 11th century. While Volubilis remained inhabited and maintained its status as a capital city for centuries after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city lost its administrative center status when nearby Fez was established, and the residents were relocated to the mountainous village of Moulay Idriss.
In the 18th century, the Lisbon earthquake hit the region, which caused the destruction of the buildings. In the second half of the 19th century, French colonies took over Morocco and excavated the site, revealing intact, intricate mosaics, and the foundations of the many buildings that were destroyed in the earthquake.
Volubilis is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Morocco, with the remains of settlements dating from the pre-Roman to the early Islamic periods..
Volubilis is situated on top of some of the most fertile land in Morocco and was famous throughout the Empire for its olive-growing business, grains, and wild animals that were sent to Rome for gladiatorial spectacles. Such high-quality and sought-after items made Volubilis one of the wealthiest cities in the Empire – that’s why there are so many fine mosaics and architectural structures to admire today.
