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.

 

View over the Decumanus Maximus / By Christian Rosenbaum - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
The Tingis Gate, looking back down the Decumanus Maximus / By I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

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.

Exterior of the Basilica at Volubilis. / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Interior of the Basilica at Volubilis. / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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 Forum at volubilis.

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.

North side of the Arch of Caracalla at Volubilis / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
South side of the Arch of Caracalla at Volubilis. / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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 Capitoline Temple. / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

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.

 

Mosaic in the House of the Athlete at Volubils. / By Antonio Angelo;Original uploader was Aangelo at it.wikipedia - Originally from it.wikipedia; description page is/was here., Public Domain, Link
Mosaic of Bacchus encountering the sleeping Ariadne from the House of the Knight at Volubilis. / By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Mosaic of Hylas abducted by the Nymphs of the House of Venus at Volubilis. / Par Josep Renalias — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Lien
Mosaic of Hercules, detail, Hercules taming the Cretan bull, from the House of the Labors of Hercules at Volubilis. / Par Wayne77Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Lien

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.

Part of a Roman Style Aqueduct in Volubilis
Interior of the North Baths, fed by the aqueduct / the copyright holder of this work, hereby publish it under the following license: - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

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.

 

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