Volubilius

27 September 2022

I travelled by train and taxi to reach the UNESCO heritage site of Volubilis. This expansive site of an old Roman city sits in agricultural land beneath the mountain of Jebel Zerhoun.

I hadn't realised that the Roman empire had outposts as far south in Northern Africa and that such sites had remained unoccupied for years afterwards. Walking through the ruins, I was able to walk freely through the remains of houses, shops, main courtyard and the olive oil mills and event touch the mosaics. The expanse and richness of this settlement was clearly evident as was the integration of Roman and indigenous culture.

This trip also enabled me to visit the small town of Moulay Idriss, spread over two hills at the base of Mount Zerhoun. It is famous for being the site of the to