History of Morocco
Morocco, crossroads of civilizations since Antiquity, has a rich history of over 3000 years. From Phoenicians to Romans, Idrisids to Alaouites, each dynasty left its mark on this strategic territory between the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Sahara.
Detailed chronology of dynasties and major events
| Period | Dynasty / Event | Key facts |
|---|---|---|
| ~1100 BC | Phoenicians | Founding of trading posts (Lixus, Mogador). Trade in purple dye and ivory. |
| 40-44 AD | Rome | Annexation of Mauretania Tingitana. Volubilis becomes a flourishing Roman city. |
| 789 | Idrisids (Idris I) | Foundation of Fez, first Islamic capital. Unification of tribes. |
| 1062 | Almoravids (Youssef Ibn Tachfine) | Foundation of Marrakech. Expansion of the empire to Andalusia. |
| 1147 | Almohads (Abd al-Mumin) | Capture of Marrakech. Construction of the Koutoubia, Hassan Tower. |
| 1269 | Marinids | Fez becomes capital. Construction of madrasas (Bou Inania). |
| 1465-1554 | Wattasids | Period of decline and struggle against the Portuguese. |
| 1554-1659 | Saadians | Victory at the Battle of the Three Kings (1578). Golden age: Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace. |
| 1666 | Alaouites (Moulay Rachid) | Current ruling dynasty. Moulay Ismail makes Meknes his capital. |
| 1912 | French protectorate | Signing of the Treaty of Fez. Spanish and international zones in Tangier. |
| 1956 | Independence | Return from exile of Mohammed V. Morocco regains sovereignty. |
| 1975 | Green March | 350,000 Moroccans march to reclaim Western Sahara. |
| 1999 | Reign of Mohammed VI | Modernization of the country, economic and social reforms. |
Iconic historical figures
- Ibn Battuta (1304-1368) – Explorer, author of the "Rihla".
- Lalla Fatma N’Soumer (1830-1863) – Resister against French colonization.
- Mohammed V (1909-1961) – Father of independence.
- Hassan II (1929-1999) – Modernizing king, architect of the Green March.
Historical quotes
"Morocco is a tree whose roots sink into Africa, the trunk into the Arab world and the branches into Europe." – Hassan II.
"I have traveled the world, but Morocco will forever remain in my heart." – Ibn Battuta.
UNESCO World Heritage sites in Morocco
| Site | City | Inscription year |
|---|---|---|
| Medina of Fez | Fez | 1981 |
| Jemaa el-Fna square | Marrakech | 2001 (intangible heritage) |
| Medina of Marrakech | Marrakech | 1985 |
| Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou | Aït Ben Haddou | 1987 |
| Historic city of Meknes | Meknes | 1996 |
| Archaeological site of Volubilis | Meknes | 1997 |
| Medina of Tétouan | Tétouan | 1997 |
| Medina of Essaouira | Essaouira | 2001 |
| Portuguese city of El Jadida | El Jadida | 2004 |
| Rabat, modern capital and historic city | Rabat | 2012 |