Unearthing History: Major Roman-Era Site Discovered in Moroccan Capital Rabat
Unearthing History: Major Roman-Era Site Discovered in Moroccan Capital Rabat
Sputnik Africa
This latest discovery joins the ranks of two other significant Roman-era sites in Morocco: the city of Volubilis – the most famous Roman site in Morocco, known... 04.11.2023, Sputnik Africa
In a significant archaeological breakthrough, Moroccan experts have unearthed a sprawling Roman-era site in Rabat, revealing a port district, a bath, and a cemetery that hark back to the second century. The discovery, announced on Friday, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman settlers and Romanized Moroccans, or Mauro-Romans, during that period.Abdelaziz El Khayari, the lead archaeologist and a professor of pre-Islamic archaeology from Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage, shared details of the finding at a news conference held at the site. He highlighted that the newly discovered site, now the third largest of its kind in Morocco, features a Roman-era bath that spans over 2000 square meters, bearing a striking resemblance to its imperial counterparts in Rome.Among the artifacts uncovered is a headless statue of a Roman deity dating back to the second century. El Khayari explained that the beheading of statues representing Roman gods was a common practice when ancient Moroccans adopted Christianity around the fifth century.The archaeological team, which began excavations in March, continues to search for the port and other parts of what is believed to be one of the largest Roman towns in the country. The site's strategic location, not far from the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic coast, adds to its historical significance.The newly uncovered monuments extend the nearby Roman-era site and popular tourist attraction, Chellah. This site is home to a fortified necropolis built by the Muslim Marinide dynasty in the 13th century. The latest discovery promises to further enrich our understanding of Morocco’s rich and diverse history.
This latest discovery joins the ranks of two other significant Roman-era sites in Morocco: the city of Volubilis – the most famous Roman site in Morocco, known for its well-preserved ruins that include Roman houses, temples, mosaics, and wid-paved streets – and Lixus, an ancient Roman city located near the modern Moroccan city of Larach.
In a significant archaeological breakthrough, Moroccan experts have unearthed a sprawling Roman-era site in Rabat, revealing a port district, a bath, and a cemetery that hark back to the second century.
The discovery, announced on Friday, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Roman settlers and Romanized Moroccans, or Mauro-Romans, during that period.
Abdelaziz El Khayari, the lead archaeologist and a professor of pre-Islamic archaeology from Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage, shared details of the finding at a news conference held at the site.
He highlighted that the newly discovered site, now the third largest of its kind in Morocco, features a Roman-era bath that spans over 2000 square meters, bearing a striking resemblance to its imperial counterparts in Rome.
Abdelaziz El Khayari, a professor of pre-Islamic archaeology from Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage, shows reporters a recently discovered statue of a woman draped in cloth, in Chellah necropolis in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
A recently unearthed Roman-era statue of a woman -- possibly a deity or empress -- draped in cloth is displayed for members of the media, in Chellah necropolis in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Archaeologists and officials present a recently discovered statue of a woman draped in cloth, in Chellah necropolis in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
The site of recently unearthed archaeological ruins, in Chellah necropolis, Rabat, Morocco, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Among the artifacts uncovered is a headless statue of a Roman deity dating back to the second century. El Khayari explained that the beheading of statues representing Roman gods was a common practice when ancient Moroccans adopted Christianity around the fifth century.
The archaeological team, which began excavations in March, continues to search for the port and other parts of what is believed to be one of the largest Roman towns in the country. The site's strategic location, not far from the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic coast, adds to its historical significance.
The newly uncovered monuments extend the nearby Roman-era site and popular tourist attraction, Chellah. This site is home to a fortified necropolis built by the Muslim Marinide dynasty in the 13th century. The latest discovery promises to further enrich our understanding of Morocco’s rich and diverse history.
