What to see and do in Volubilis, Morocco

Volubilis is an ancient Roman city located in Morocco, near the city of Meknes. 

It was established as a Carthaginian settlement in the 3rd century BC and was later conquered by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. Volubilis was an important center of agriculture, commerce, and culture and was known for its fertile land and strategic location at the crossroads of several trade routes.

We visited Volubilis on 5/14/2014. It is located on a hillside with great views of the surrounding area.

Volubilis was a large ancient Roman city in the kingdom of Mauretania. Juba II was crowned as the king of Mauretania by Augustus in 25 BC.  He was married to Cleopatra Selene II, the daughter of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.  The city included a basilica, temple, and triumphal arch and many houses with large mosaic floors. It's prosperity was derived principally from olive growing.   

The city reached its peak of prosperity in the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, during which time its population was estimated to be around 20,000 people. The Romans abandoned the city after it fell to local Berber tribes around 285 AD. It was later destroyed by an earthquake. The ruins of Volubilis offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of an ancient Roman city, including the remains of public buildings, houses, streets, and mosaics.

Volubilis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 for being "an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire". Today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours in the Volubilis area.  Click here for details.