VOLUBILIS ANCIENT ROMAN CITY
INTRODUCTION
Not far from Meknes, a winding road leads from the town of Moulay Idriss to one of the great attractions for travelers to Morocco: the archaeological ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis was the powerful ancient capital of Mauritania Tingitana, a region of present-day northern Morocco. The site’s Neolithic roots date back to its settlement by indigenous peoples, but the first substantial construction began with the Phoenicians sometime between 1000 and 300 BC. The character of the ruined city, however, originates from the period of Roman domination following the fall of Carthage. Morocco has one of the richest histories and cultures of any country in the world, influenced by centuries of diverse rulers, including the Romans who spread their empire into Africa.
ROMAN SIGNIFICANCE AND GEOGRAPHY
Volubilis was considered one of the Roman Empire’s most remote and far-flung outposts. The Imperial Road passed through here, and despite several attempts, Rome never fully managed to subdue the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains.
ARCHITECTURAL REMAINS AND FEATURES
Amid the temples, public baths, mosaics, and oil press complexes, Volubilis’s past survives in the ancient structures and gardens that are still standing. These remnants reflect the richness of this once-prosperous Roman state, adding another dimension to Morocco’s immense, ever-evolving history. The House of Orpheus is a large complex of rooms that were once part of a mansion belonging to one of the city’s richest merchants. It is divided into public and private sections, each with a separate entrance and interior court. Visitors first encounter the private rooms arranged around a small patio, where splendid mosaics and colorful tiles that decorate the rooms are well preserved. These ancient Roman mosaics, found on the floors of buildings and houses, depict wildlife, athletes, and scenes from mythology and everyday life.
PUBLIC BATHS AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
Volubilis possesses four major baths: the Large Bath of Kalinas, the Bath of the Capital, the Northern Bath, and the Bath of the House of the Cistern. These buildings were designed to accommodate a large number of people. The region’s land is among the most fertile in North Africa, and the city exported wheat, olives, and wild animals hunted in its hills to Rome. The Olive Press, located near the entrance, reflects the importance of this fruit to the city.
THE BASILICA AND ITS PURPOSE
The Capitol was built to face the Basilica in 217 AD on a headland that towers over the bare and arid plain. The Basilica was constructed around 217 AD, slightly later than the great Basilica of Leptis Magna, and was part of the forum complex. During the Roman era, the Basilica served as a large rooftop structure for transacting business and legal matters, though it also had religious functions. Over time, its religious purpose became more dominant after Rome’s Christianization, and the term “basilica” is still used to refer to large churches today. The axis of Volubilis’s Basilica runs parallel to the forum and features semicircular apses at both ends. Quadrilateral rooms on either side of the apses, thought to be archives or secretarial rooms, complement the Basilica’s design, which represents features of early Italian basilicas. The facade is formed by an arcaded colonnade that opens onto the forum.
CITY LAYOUT AND ECONOMY
Volubilis’s layout is typical of many Roman towns, but with a population of about 20,000, its size was impressive. The columns still standing are high enough to dwarf most people. Volubilis’s stately homes, with their exquisite tiles and pools, were constructed between 40 and 285 AD. Their magnificent mosaics, numerous bakeries, and around 100 oil presses attest to the thriving economy of this Roman outpost. Grain, along with olives and fruit trees, was the major agricultural product of Volubilis. Wheat was ground daily, and while large quantities of flour were not stored, private homes used small portable mills, and bakeries played a significant role. The presence of about sixty-four mill wheels found on-site highlights the importance of bakeries.
NOTABLE STRUCTURES AND ARTIFACTS
Among the notable structures are the House of the Athlete (also known as the House of the Acrobat), the House of the Dog, and the House of Orpheus, each named after significant artifacts discovered on-site. The House of the Dog, for example, is named after a bronze dog sculpture now displayed in Rabat. The House of Orpheus, located just west of the triumphal arch, takes its name from a nude, ivy-crowned bronze sculpture found here.
MOSAICS AND ARTISTIC DETAILS
The many mosaics that adorn the rooms of the noble Domus indicate the city’s residents’ desire to beautify their living environment. These mosaics, often polychrome and rarely black-and-white, consist of central motifs and geometric floor decorations. Overlooking the roofs of houses in the western area, the triumphal arch was a symbol of the empire and its emperor. Dedicated in 216 AD to Emperor Caracalla and his mother Julia Domna, the arch remains a testament to the city’s vitality and prosperity. Its design, though simple, includes original elements like the theme of the four seasons, represented in an unusual medallion format.
POST-ROMAN ERA AND PRESERVATION
Many buildings within the city were destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, and some marble was removed for construction at Meknes. Despite this, the mosaics decorating the House of Hercules are well preserved, with mythology providing a rich source of inspiration for Roman mosaics. Volubilis’s fountains and public baths consumed large amounts of water. The city, situated at an altitude of 400 meters on a fertile triangular plain bordered by small rivers, had a population believed to be predominantly indigenous. The city had been settled for centuries before becoming part of the Roman Empire, and the Romans present at Volubilis were likely few, consisting of senior officials, governors, officers, and merchants.
CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL IMPACT
The significant Asian community at Volubilis contributed to its cultural diversity, which promoted the spread of local cults and reflected the city’s prosperity. The House of Venus, adorned with mosaics, includes scenes such as the bathing Diana surprised by a hunter and the abduction of Europa. Volubilis’s water supply was assured by numerous springs running down the slopes of the region. The gradual Romanization of local lifestyle necessitated a complex hydraulic system. By the end of the third century, the empire faced threats from Germanic invasions and civil wars, leading to the evacuation of interior cities. At Volubilis, the withdrawal occurred around 285 AD. Despite this, local people continued to live in Roman-era neighborhoods, though Roman ways gradually faded, and the urban plan was rearranged.
LEGACY AND UNESCO STATUS
For four centuries after the fall of Roman control, the people of Volubilis maintained some use of Latin language, law, and the Roman civil calendar. In 1997, the archaeological site of Volubilis was included on UNESCO’s List of World Heritage Sites as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Roman Empire.
CONCLUSION
Volubilis stands as one of Morocco’s premier archaeological sites, providing visitors with an extraordinary insight into Roman influence across North Africa. Well preserved remains such as intricate mosaics, grand structures and ancient streets are testament to this once vibrant city’s historical importance – making Volubilis one of Morocco’s icon sites and testament to the diversity of Morocco’s past as it draws people in with its picturesque surrounds – perfect for anyone interested in learning about its ancient civilizations! Volubilis was designated a UNESCO World Heritage landmark by UNESCO back in 1985 – making this landmark an icon that stands as testament to Morocco’s diverse past while drawing people in with its scenic surrounds – perfect for anyone interested in learning about Morocco’s past!
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