Volubilis

 

◙ Volubilis, the Mauretanian capital (#Kingdom_of_Mauretania), founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings.

 

◙ The name of Volubilis is derived from the Berber name Walili (Oualili), which means oleander.

 

◙ The archaeological vestiges of this site bear witness to several civilizations. All the phases of its 10 centuries of occupation, from prehistory to the Islamic period are represented. 

 

◙ The site has produced a substantial amount of artistic material, including mosaics, marble and bronze statuary, and hundreds of inscriptions.

 

◙ Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idriss I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idriss.