Volubilis — Roman ruins

Volubilis (Arabic: Oualili) is the best-preserved Roman ruin site in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Mauritanians and expanded from 40 AD into a thriving Roman provincial town, which at its peak had over 20,000 inhabitants. Here, amidst the gentle hills of the Moroccan hinterland, with storks on the column capitals and olive groves all around, antiquity comes alive.

What You See

• Triumphal Arch of Caracalla (217 AD): The imposing arch at the end of the main street (Decumanus Maximus) was erected in honor of Emperor Caracalla. It is the most photographed monument of the site.
• Basilica & Forum: The political and economic center of the city. The basilica (courthouse) is impressive with its preserved columns and arches. At the forum, you can still see the speaker's platform and market stalls.
• House of Orpheus: One of the most magnificent townhouses with beautifully preserved floor mosaics depicting Orpheus playing the harp, surrounded by animals. The mosaics are the highlight of Volubilis — amazingly well-preserved after almost 2,000 years.
• House of the Ephebe: More spectacular mosaics (Bacchus on a chariot, drawn by leopards) and a well-preserved bathhouse with a recognizable heating system (hypocaust).
• Decumanus Maximus: The 400 m long main street with colonnades, shops, and townhouses. Here, the Roman bourgeoisie strolled.

History

Volubilis survived the withdrawal of the Romans (3rd century) and was inhabited by Berbers and later by Idris I (the founder of Fes). The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 destroyed large parts of the buildings, and Sultan Moulay Ismail had marble columns transported to Meknès to adorn his palace. What remains is still enough for 2–3 hours of amazement.