"Roman ruins of Volubilis" Volubilis by al2401

Volubilis is an ancient Roman town near Meknes. It is adjacent to the hillside town of Moulay Idriss. In 1997 UNESCO listed Volubilis as a World Heritage site with the best preserved remains in the region.

Volubilis wasn't always Roman. Archaeology shows that it was built on a Carthaginian settlement which grew out of an existing neotholithic village. It was important for the Romans as a far western outpost with fertile land that was able to grow produce to be sent back to Rome.

Rather than collapse when Rome withdrew, the town existed until the arrival of Idris in 788. It fell into decline after he died in 791 and Idris II moved to Fes. There were inhabitants until the 19th century when most of the marble was removed and the blocks were used for the construction of Moulay Idriss