Volubilis, located just 5 kilometers from my hometown of Moulay Idriss, provides a fascinating window into the Zerhoun region’s Roman history. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an amazing combination of Roman and Berber influences, making it one of North Africa’s most important archeological sites. The city’s well-preserved architecture reflects its wealth, as it was originally the administrative center of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana.
The Layout and infrastructure of Volubilis:
The architectural layout of Volubilis refers to classic Roman urban design principles. The city is structured around a grid of streets that includes two major roads: the Decumanus Maximus (running east-west) and the Cardo Maximus (running north-south). These avenues crossed in the city center, where public buildings including as the basilica, capitol temple, and forum were located. This central location reflects the city’s significance as a political, economic, and spiritual heart.
Volubilis Public Buildings :
The Basilica
the basilica is the most magnificent building in Volubilis, with a surface area of 1,000 square metres. This huge edifice had a judicial function,and was formerly the center of legal and administrative activities. Its high graceful columns and open design evoke the splendor of Roman civic architecture. The basilica’s remains still rise tall today, with curved columns bringing memories of the city’s past glory.
The Forum
Volubilis forum is a paved square where citizens met in groups to elect their judges. Speeches and announcements were made from the top of the oratory. The location was crowded with statues, but just their bases remain today.
The Triumphal Arch
At the end of the Decumanus Maximus, you will see the beautiful Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, which was built in AD 217. This arch, honoring Emperor Caracalla and his mother Julia Domna, represents Roman strength and domination. The arch is approximately 8 meters tall and one of Volubilis’ best-preserved structures. It previously had a bronze chariot atop its pediment, a stark reminder of the city’s loyalty to Rome.
The Capitol and Temple of Jupiter
The Capitol, which is dedicated to the Roman gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, stands adjacent to the basilica. The towering columns of this holy structure, despite being largely destroyed, continue to retain a commanding presence in the surrounding landscape. The temple was crucial to the city’s Roman people’ spiritual lives, and it was built in the style of Roman temple architecture, with massive porticoes and large stairs.
The Roman Villas and Mosaics in Volubilis:
Volubilis is home to some wonderful Roman villas that provide visitors a look into the luxury lifestyle of the city’s wealthy people. These homes are decorated with beautiful mosaics, many of which endured the passage of time. One of the most well-known is the House of Orpheus, which features a mosaic representing Orpheus enchanting animals with his lyre. Another feature is the House of Dionysus, where a mosaic of the deity of wine may still be seen in great detail.
These mosaics, made with small colored stones, demonstrate Roman craftsmen’s artistic mastery while also providing insights into the cultural and mythical beliefs of the time. The villas also include gardens, fountains, and intricate water systems, indicating the luxury and comfort enjoyed by the city’s residents.
Volubilis Water Systems: the hydraulic network
The water supply to Volubilis was secured by numerous springs originating in the foothills of Zerhoun, as well as from Khouman valley and Fertassa. To manage this, the Romans built a sophisticated hydraulic network.
An aqueduct was constructed to capture water from a spring about a kilometer east of the city. The water was then directed into small cisterns that regulated its flow. From these cisterns, clay pipes distributed water to houses and public buildings.
Running down the middle of Decumanus Maximus Street was a main sewer channel, over a meter deep, covered with large limestone slabs. This sewer carried both seepage water and waste, flowing down to Khouman Valley, aided by additional secondary sewers.
Berber Influence and Local Materials
Though Volubilis is mainly Roman in style, there is evidence of local Berber influence, particularly in the use of building supplies. The Romans used local limestone and marble for construction, combining their architectural style with the resources available in Morocco. Furthermore, some aspects of native North African design, such as simple stone masonry and the use of mudbrick for lower-level constructions, show the interaction between Roman and Berber cultures.