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VOLUBILIS PHOTO GALLERY |
Volubilis was a Roman settlement, located close to Meknes and 4 kilometres from the Islamic city of Moulay Idriss, dating from
the 3rd century BC. Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain
production and exports to Rome. It was also responsible for contact with Berber tribes who were never suppressed but
cooperated for mutual benefit.
Unlike many other Roman cities, Volubilis survived after the Romans lost their foothold in this part of Africa in the 3rd century
and the Latin language continued until the Arabs conquered North Africa in the late 7th century.
People continued to live
here for more than 1,000 years after this until it was abandoned in the 18th century, when it was demolished to
provide building materials for the construction of the palaces of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. If not for this, Volubilis
could have become one of the best preserved Roman sites in the world. Some of the best excavations have been moved to the
Archaeological Museum close to the royal palace in Rabat, but Volubilis still offers lots to see including about 30 high
quality mosaics that still stand in their original place.
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