Volubilis, Rome's Edge City

Volubilis covers about 42 hectares on the fringes of the Roman Empire.

The partly excavated Berber-Roman city sits near Meknes in Morocco.

A 2.6 kilometre circuit of walls once enclosed the growing settlement.

Volubilis gained a triumphal arch in the 2nd century.

A basilica and temple were built in the 2nd century.

Prosperity came principally from olive growing across the fertile plain.

Many fine town-houses featured large mosaic floors.

One mosaic shows a chariot race conducted by animals.

About half of the site was excavated during French rule.

By the 3rd century a Jewish community left Hebrew funeral inscriptions here.

Idris ibn Abdallah founded the Idrisid dynasty in the 8th century.

Moroccan rulers later looted the intact ruins for building stone in Meknes.

UNESCO lists Volubilis as an exceptionally well preserved Roman colonial town.