The Triumphal Arch of Caracalla at Volubilis, with stone columns silhouetted against blue sky and olive groves on the surrounding hills.

History

The Roman South

Volubilis was the empire's southwest corner. The mosaics are still in the ground where the legionnaires left them.

History

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The mosaics at Volubilis are still in the ground, open to the sky. Six days traces Rome's North African footprint.

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The Facts

—Volubilis: best-preserved Roman ruin in North Africa outside Libya/Tunisia
—30km north of Meknes
—Not a military outpost — an agricultural city
—Capital of Mauretania Tingitana province
—Wealth from wheat, olive oil, garum (fermented fish sauce)
—Mosaics still in the ground, open to the sky
—Population ~20,000 at peak
—Paved streets, public baths, forum, basilica, olive presses

Sources

Raven, Susan. Rome in Africa. Routledge, 1993
Jodin, André. Volubilis, regia Iubae. Boccard, 1987
Euzennat, Maurice. "Les voies romaines du Maroc dans l'Itinéraire Antonin." Hommages à Albert Grenier. Collection Latomus, 1962
Akerraz, Aomar. "Nouvelles données sur l'urbanisme de Volubilis." Bulletin d'Archéologie Marocaine, 1985.

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