Discover the first Roman port neighborhood in Morocco: dating back to the second century AD

It was discovered by a team of Moroccan archaeologists and researchers The first port district Roman era In MoroccoIt is a historical building dating back to First and second century AD Located in the historic district of scarf (an ancient Roman city and cemetery) in Rabat.

The port neighborhood is part of the discoveries that came to light with the work that was completed since last March in the vicinity of the archaeological city of Chellah, which was presented today, Friday, by archaeologists and the Ministry of Culture, which, according to them, represents an important discovery for the extension of this city.

Among the results also: A The general thermal complex is approximately 2000 square meters (which may constitute the largest ever found in Morocco), niches representing a funerary columbarium were probably built at the same time and marble sculptures such as a headless Roman statue representing a female goddess.

Aziz Al-KhayariDuring the presentation of the site, the professor at the National Institute of Antiquities and Heritage (INSAP) pointed out that this discovery means that the city of Chellah has joined the three most important ancient cities in Morocco.

The archaeologist said in an interview with the press from the site: “We only knew five hectares of the archaeological city of Chellah, and now we have an entire ancient city under us to discover in an area of ​​300 hectares.”

La Sheila is located Near the Bouregreg River in RabatIt is a fenced area dating back to the Mauritanian-Roman era between the second century BC and the sixth century AD. It is currently surrounded by walls dating back to the Marinid era (thirteenth century) and is considered one of the tourist destinations in Morocco, the capital.

The excavations that took place during recent months in the vicinity of the Chellah area and near the left bank of the Baraqraq River allowed the discovery of part of the port district, in which these items were also found. Remains of altars and sanctuaries.

Al-Khayari pointed out that the upcoming excavations aim to uncover the ancient port of Salé, which likely dates back to the first century AD.

“We have never identified a port for these properties. This suggests that this ancient maritime city was open to Mediterranean trade and received imports from Greece, the Iberian Peninsula and elsewhere.”

For his part, the Moroccan Minister of Culture said, Mahdi bin SaeedHe described this discovery as “very important and impressive,” adding that his ministry aims to increase the number of tourist visits to the Chellah region to one million visits annually (instead of the current 500,000).

The archaeologist said: “It is an important discovery because it is the first time that we have discovered traces that testify to the existence of an ancient port neighborhood in Morocco.” Abdul Aziz Al-KhayariThis was during a press visit to the place.

He added: “We will continue investigations and excavations to determine the function and history of these facilities.” The expert also adds to find other traces that could lead us to the port of Salé.

(With information from EFE and AFP)