Volubilis is an archaeological site in Morocco situated near Meknes between Fez and Rabat. It features the best preserved excavations in this part of northern Africa dating from the Roman Empire. In 1997 the site was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated on the westernmost border of Roman conquests. It was built about 40 C.E., probably on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from the 3rd century B.C.E.

Volubilis was the administrative center of a province in Roman Africa called Mauretania Tingitana. The fertile lands of the province produced many goods such as grain and olive oil that were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth and prosperity.

The Romans lost North Africa in the 3rd century but, unlike other Roman cities, Volubilis was not abandoned. Latin even remained in use until the Arab conquest of the 7th century.

Volubilis survived until the 18th century, when it was demolished and part of the marble was taken for constructions in nearby Meknes.

In 1915, archeological excavation was begun there by the French.

Historic exhibits:

• Basilica
• thermae
• The Temple of Jupiter
• The Capitol
• Triumphal arch 3rd c.
• mosaics
• granaries

See also:

• List of World Heritage Sites in Africa
• Moulay Idriss

External links

Volubilis on the UNESCO Website