World Heritage Identification Number: 836
World Heritage since: 1997
Category: Cultural Heritage
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇲🇦 Morocco
Continent: Africa
UNESCO World Region: Arab States
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Archaeological Site of Volubilis: A Blend of Berber and Roman Cultures
The Archaeological Site of Volubilis, nestled in the fertile agricultural region of Morocco, offers a unique blend of Berber and Roman cultures that has earned it a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997. This ancient city, which may have served as the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania, provides a captivating glimpse into the rich history of North Africa.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idris.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
The Committee decided to inscribe the Archaeological Site of Volubilis on the basis of criteria (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi), considering that this site is an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire.
Encyclopedia Record: Volubilis
Volubilis is a partly excavated Berber-Roman city in Morocco, situated near the city of Meknes, that may have been the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania, at least from the time of King Juba II. Before Volubilis, the capital of the kingdom may have been at Gilda.Additional Site Details
Area: 42 hectares
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 34.07389 , -5.55694
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© Chrisi1964, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
