Moroccan Odyssey Day 11

 Morocco Day 11:  Volubilis and Meknes

This morning we drove from Fes to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, about a 1 1/2 hr drive. It was originally founded by the Carthiginians in the 3rd century BCE and became part of the Roman empire in 44 CE when northern Morocco was annexed by Rome. It became a main agricultural center, exporting olive oil and wheat to Rome until the roman Empire's decline.  It was then occupied by Berbers (Amazigh) and then Islamic rulers, including Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty (8th century). Some historians believe he lived in Volubilis before founding nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. The city was eventually abandoned by the 11th century.  It is now a UNESCO heritage site.

One of the highlights of the ruins are the well-preserved floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, Orpheus charming animals, Diana bathing, Hercules’ labors, and Bacchus and Ariadne.

Triumphal Arch of Caracalla 

Triumphal Arch of Caracalla 

Fountain in front of a large villa

Capitoline Temple

Basilica and Forum:

After leaving Volubilis, we drove to Meknes, one of the four imperial cities (including Rabat, Fes, and Marakesh). It was founded in  the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty as a military settlement. The name is a derivation of Meknassa, a Berber Zenata tribe that originally inhabited the area. The city flourished in the late 17th and early 18th centuries under Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727), one of Morocco’s most powerful rulers. Under his reign, Meknès became the capital of Morocco, modeled after Versailles — combining Moorish, Andalusian, and French architectural influences. The Bab Mansour Gate is decorated with zellij (mosaic tilework), carved inscriptions, and green-tiled columns taken from Roman Volubilis. It was completed in 1732 as the entrance to the imperial city.

Across from the gate was a massive square with people selling all sorts of things including ostriches!

At the far end of the square was the Dar Jamai Museum, in a former vizier’s 19th-century palace housing traditional Moroccan arts ceramics, jewelry, carpets, and woodwork.

We returned the riyadh for dinner.  Tomorrow we have a long ride to Erfoud, the Gateway to the Sahara.