Morocco: Archaeology of the Western Kingdom (Register interest) | November 2024

The spread of Islam, combined with the spirit of al-Andalus, gave birth in Morocco to an artistic and architectural legacy of enormous diversity. Meknes, founded in the 11th century and revitalised by Sultan Moulay Ismaïl in the 18th, reflecting his imperial ambitions, is an especially attractive example of the harmonious blending of the Islamic and Spanish styles.

Fez, founded in the 9th century, is perhaps the most enchanting of all Arab cities. The custodian of the world’s oldest university, Fez reached its zenith under the Marinids, as witnessed by the elaborate profusion of souks, madrasas, mosques and minarets that date from the 13th century. 

Marrakesh charms every visitor with its exuberantly Andalusian madrasa and its breathtakingly intricate 16th century Saadian tombs. The town will be our base for an excursion into the snow-capped High Atlas, where the villages are strongly reminiscent of the settlements of the Alpujarra mountains of Andalucía.

Rabat is a captivating mélange of Moorish and European influences, and home to a wealth of monuments from the 12th to the 14th centuries, including the mosque and fortifications initiated by the great Almohad ruler Yacoub al-Mansour. The tower of this spectacularly sized mosque is similar in design to Seville’s Giralda.

We will also visit the walled citadel of the Chellah, an abandoned ancient port that was transformed in the 14th century into a burial ground for the Marinid dynasty, and which today forms one of Morocco’s most beautiful ruins. We will then enter the medina through the 17th century Andalusian walls, and walk to the Almohad citadel known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, with its impressive 12th century gate and enchanting Andalusian-style gardens.

As well as investigating Morocco’s bustling, labyrinthine medinas, we will unravel the mysteries of Volubilis, the capital of ancient Mauritania and one of the country’s most important ancient sites, with extensive remains dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

This tour will be led by Eireann Marshall, PhD, a Research Associate and Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Educated at Barnard College, Columbia, and the universities of Birmingham and Exeter, Eireann is an expert in the classical and ancient worlds and has published a number of articles on Ancient North Africa. She has led many tours across Europe and North Africa, and looks forward to introducing an ACE group to Morocco in 2024.

Tour Director Eireann Marshall writes:

“At the heart of my passion for Moroccan history is the longevity of its history and its cultural mélange. At the heart of the country are the Amazigh, more often called Berbers, who inhabited the stunning Roman colonies, such as Volubilis, and who much later founded the vibrant cities of Marrakesh and Fez. Due to its proximity to Andalucia and to its involvement in the Reconquista, Morocco also has a strong Spanish and Jewish heritage. It’s a country like no other.”

Included: Full details, including the confirmed itinerary, dates and cost, will be released in early 2024. Please contact the ACE office or use the form to register your interest.

Not Included: