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C1RUINS15 House of the Acrobat
16 House of the Columns
17 House of the Dog
18 House of the Ephebus
19 House of the Knight
20 House of the Labours of Hercules
21 House of the Marble Bacchus
22 House of the Nereids
23 House of the Nymphs Bathing
24 House of the Wild Beast Mosaic
25 House of Venus
26 Marcus Aurelius' Wall
27 North Baths
28 Olive Presses
29 Restored Olive Press
30 Temple of Saturn
31 Triumphal Arch
32 Twin Temples
33 Water Tank HouseHISTORY
Excavations indicate that the site was originally settled by Carthaginian traders in the 3rd
century BC. One of the Roman Empire’s most remote outposts, Volubilis was annexed in about
AD 40. According to some historians, Rome imposed strict controls on what could and could
not be produced in its North African possessions, according to the needs of the empire. One
result was massive deforestation and the large-scale planting of wheat around Volubilis. At its
peak, it is estimated that the city housed up to 20,000 people. The site’s most impressive
monuments were built in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, including the triumphal arch, capitol, baths
and basilica.
As the neighbouring Berber tribes began to reassert themselves, so the Romans abandoned
Volubilis around 280. Nevertheless, the city’s population of Berbers, Greeks, Jews and Syrians
continued to speak Latin right up until the arrival of Islam. Moulay Idriss found sanctuary here in
the 8th century, before moving his capital to Fez. Volubilis continued to be inhabited until the
18th century, when its marble was plundered for Moulay Ismail’s palaces in Meknès, and its
buildings were finally felled by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.
Sights
Roman Ruins
(admission Dh20, parking Dh5; 8am-sunset) Less than half of the 40-hectare site has been
excavated. A major on-site museum displaying Volubilis’ most celebrated finds has been in the
works for several years. Despite repeated construction delays, it should open soon after this
book goes to press. Until then, the prized discoveries (including some fine bronzes) are to be
found in the archaeology museum in Rabat ( Click here ).
Although parts of certain buildings are roped off, you are free to wander the site at will. Bar a
couple of vague signboards, there’s little in the way of signposting or information on what you’re
actually seeing. It’s well worth considering taking a guide, especially if you’re pressed for time.