Discovery of Morocco’s first ancient port district in Rabat

Moroccan archaeologists announced on Friday the discovery of the “first” ancient port district in Morocco, an extension of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chellah (or Sala) in Rabat.

On the left bank of the Bouregreg River, excavations by a team from the National Institute of Archeology and Heritage Sciences (INSAP) have uncovered a room paved with blue limestone surrounded by buildings such as columns or an incense altar used in religious rites.

“It is an important discovery in that we have found, for the first time, remains that testify to the presence of an ancient port district in Morocco.” said archaeologist Abdelaziz El Khayari during a press visit to the site.

This waterfront could “dated to the 1st or 2nd century AD of the Roman period”said Mr. Khayari, responsible for this project that started in April 2023. “We will continue research and excavations to determine the function of these buildings and their dating. But also to find other remains that could lead us to the port of Sala.”adds the expert.

Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, archaeologists have also made other discoveries related to the ancient city. First, public thermal baths “built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD at the latest.” and that “Already cover an area of ​​about 2,000 m2, which suggests that we are dealing with one of the largest thermal complexes in ancient Morocco”says a presentation by the Ministry of Culture.

But also a new necropolis from the 2nd century AD. That’s it “a columbarium with five niches in which ash urns were housed”, explained archaeologist Abdelaziz El Khayari. Part of the ancient city wall and a headless female statue were also unearthed. There are several ancient sites in Morocco. The most famous are the ruins of Chellah in Rabat and those of Volubilis near Meknes (centre).