Volubilis (walīlī, وليلي)

Volubilis, or walīlī, is the site of Morocco's largest and best-preserved Roman ruins. It is 33 km north of Meknès.

The first settlement there was founded by Carthaginian traders in the 3rd century BC. During the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD the area was known as the kingdom of Mauritania and Volubilis became the capital. During the Roman times, the city walls were built, as well as a basilica, several temples, a triumphal arch and many beautiful houses with mosaic floors. The Romans stayed for 240 years, but even after that, the population continued to speak Latin and practice Christianity until the arrival of Islam.

People lived in Volubilis up to the 11th century, when the seat of power was relocated to Meknès and the city was abandoned.

What was left of Volubilis remained more or less in tact until an earthquake destroyed the remains in the 18th century. After that, Volubilis was robbed of most of its marble, as it was used for the construction of the Imperial City in Meknès.

During French rule, parts of Volubilis were excavated and several buildings were reconstructed. Some of the most notable constructions that are still visible today include:

Most of the original mud brick pre-Roman city wall was built over or destroyed. Only a 77-m (250 ft) section remains and can be seen near the tumulus.
Most of the Roman-built city walls are still extant and stretch from some 2.6 km (1.6 mi). They are bout 1.6 m (5.2 ft) thick and were constructed using rubble masonry and ashlar.
One of the gates in the Roman wall is the Tingis Gate. It originall dates from 169, but it was reconstructed and marks the northeastern entrance to Volubilis.
The basilica was originally built in the 3rd century. It was rebuilt during the French occupation.
The Capitoline Temple is behind the basilica. It was reconstructed in 218, partly restored in 1955 and restored more substantially in 1962. Originally, there were four small shrines within the temple precinct, one of which was dedicated to Venus.
The forum was the location where markets were held.
There were 5 more temples in Volubilis, notably the Temple of Saturn.
Volubilis featured at least 3 sets of public baths. Some mosaics can still be seen in the Baths of Gallienus.
The Arch of Caracalla is probably the most striking sight in Volubilis. It stand at the end of the city's main street, the Decumanus Maximus. The triumphal arch was originally built from local stone in 217 and partly reconstructed by the French in the 1930s.

In Volubilis you can see the remains of richly decorated mansions, as well as simple mud-brick structures. Many of the larger mansions still have floor mosaics still in situ. The houses are named for their principal mosaics or other items found there.

The Gordian Palace was the largest building in Volubilis. It is thought to have been the residence of the governor. The building was damaged and rebuilt in the 3rd century. The palace combined two separate houses that created a complex with 74 rooms, courtyards and bathhouses. Only a few mosaics remain. Inside there are several inscription that record treaties and the city's downfall.
The House of the Athlete, or House of Desultor, is close to the forum. It features a mosaic of an athlete or acrobat riding a donkey backwards while holding a cup in his outstretched hand. It is thought that is might represent Silenus.
The House of the Ephebe got its name from a bronze statue found there. It has an eonclosed courtyard that connects to several rooms with mosaics.
Next door to the House of the Ephebe is the House of the Knight has a mosaic of Bacchus, but the house got its name from a bronze statue of a rider. The satue is on display in the archaeological museum in Rabat.
The House of the Labours of Hercules is named for the mosaic that depicts the 12 tasks Herculeshad to perform as penance for killing his wife and children. The house was really huge and included 41 rooms, in many of which other mosaics can still be seen.
The House of Orpheus is in the southern part of Volubilis. It got its name from a large mosaic of Orpheus found in the dining room. Other rooms feature smaller mosaics.
The House of Venus sits at the eastern side of Volubilis. It was very luxurious and featured private baths and richl decorations. Many of the mosaics are extant, but the mosaic of Venus for which the house is named has been removed to Tangier. It is thought the house was destroyed when the city fell, around 280. In 1918, a bronze bust of Cato the Younger was found there, which is on display in the Archaeological Museum in Rabat.
Just outside the city walls a series of interlocking courtyard buildings were discovered. The largest of these buildings contained a hammam. Items found at the site suggest that is was the headquarters of Idris I.

Volubilis can be visited from Meknès on a day trip. There is a lot to see, but the various excavated mosaics are the major attraction. You can get to Volubilis by taxi, or you can go to nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun by bus and take a taxi from there. Organized trips from Meknès are arranged as well. Accommodation is available at Volubilis, but it is much better to stay in Meknès.

Volubilis is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Volubilis (walīlī, وليلي)

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