History - Embassy of Morocco in China

Oldest Homo Sapiens Fossil

In 2017, the discovery of the oldest Homo Sapiens fossil in Morocco reshaped human history, suggesting human species dates back 300,000 years. This finding implies a diverse evolution across the African continent, challenging previous narratives.

Berbers Ancestors’ Arrival

Around 9000 B.C., ancestors of present-day Berber populations arrived from the east, introducing sedentarization and agriculture. This marked the foundation of the rich Berber cultural heritage.

Phoenician Exploration and Settlement

In the 11th century B.C., Phoenicians explored and established trade outposts in Morocco, including Tanger, Lixus, Sala, and Mogador. Carthaginian influence followed, extending from coastal to inland territories. Notable outposts were founded in Tanger and Essaouira, with the emergence of a city at present-day Rabat, marking key phases of Phoenician and Carthaginian impact in Morocco.

Roman Annexation and Legacy

In 40 A.D., the northern region of Morocco was annexed into the Roman Empire. Volubilis, Morocco’s most significant ancient Roman site, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997. Roman presence endured until the 3rd century A.D. Subsequently, in the early 5th century, the region fell under the dominion of the Vandals, of Germanic origin, until the mid-6th century. This period witnessed the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I annihilating the Vandal kingdom, marking a transformative era in the region’s historical continuum.

Arab Progress and Islamic Heritage

The culmination of the 7th and the onset of the 8th century were characterized by the consolidation of Arab progress, led by the Umayyads, coinciding with the retreat of the Byzantines. Arabs introduced the Arabic language and, notably, promoted Islam, a religion embraced by the entire Maghreb population. This pivotal era marked the establishment of Arab influence and the enduring legacy of Islam in the region.

The Idrissid Dynasty

The Idrissid Dynasty, reigning from 789 to the 10th century, stands as the inaugural royal lineage to govern Morocco. Its origins trace back to a prince of Arab descent, a descendant of Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Seeking refuge in the Middle Atlas, he was chosen by the local Berbers as their leader in 789, acclaimed as Idriss I. His posthumous son, Idriss II, then established the first royal dynasty of Morocco, with Fès as its capital. The Idrissids are credited with notable architectural contributions, including the Al Quaraouiyine and Andalusian mosques in Fès, the mausoleums of Idriss I in Zerhoun, Idriss II in Fès, and the mosque of old Ténès in present-day Algeria.

The Almoravid Dynasty

Emerging from a nomadic clan native to the Sahara, the Almoravid dynasty was established in 1058, reigning for a century and commanding an empire stretching from the eastern boundaries of the Maghreb to Andalusia. Founding Marrakech, the second imperial city in Morocco after Fès, the Almoravids bestowed the city’s name upon the country. Numerous architectural marvels from this era include the Grand Mosque of Tlemcen, the mausoleum of the Abbadid king of Seville, Al Mutamid ibn Abbad in Aghmat (30 km from Marrakech, at the foot of the High Atlas), and the Almoravid Qoubba in Marrakech.

The Almohad Dynasty

The Almohad dynasty, established in the High Atlas by the scholar Ibn Toumert, championed a return to the roots of Islam, opposing the Maliki rite practiced by the Almoravides. Overthrowing the Almoravids, they governed the Moroccan empire, spanning North Africa and Spain for a century, with Rabat as their imperial city. The Almohads left an enduring legacy through the vibrant culture they cultivated, leaving behind architectural treasures in Morocco (the Tinmel Mosque, 100 km from Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hassan Tower in Rabat) and in Spain (the Gold Tower in Seville, now the Maritime Museum, the Giralda in Seville).

The Merinid Dynasty

The Merinid dynasty, reigning from 1248 to 1548, bequeathed a significant number of historical monuments to Morocco. These are predominantly found in their capital, Fès, but also extend to other cities, such as the Chellah necropolis in Rabat and the Massourha Mosque in Tlemcen in present-day Algeria.

The Saadian Dynasty

In the early 16th century, the Saadians, Berbers from the Draâ Valley, revolted against the Merinids, driven by frustration with Christian offensives, and ousted them from power. Establishing their own dynasty, they fiercely resisted the Portuguese, successfully reclaiming Agadir. The decisive battle against the Portuguese took place on August 4, 1578, near Ksar el-Kébir (or Alcazar Quivir), known as the “Battle of the Three Kings.” This battle ultimately led to the annexation of Portugal by Spain two years later. The Saadians left a magnificent legacy in Marrakech, the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis of remarkable architectural richness.

The Alaouite Dynasty

The Alaouites derive their name from their kinship with Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet. Hailing from the Hejaz, they settled in Tafilalet. The Alaouites ascended to the throne of Morocco after a period of instability following the death of the last Saadian Sultan in 1659. Moulay Rachid, the third Alaouite prince of Tafilalet, reunified the country between 1664 and 1669, reinstating central authority and marking the inception of the Alaouite dynasty of Morocco. His son, Moulay Ismaïl, moved the capital to Meknès, 60 kilometers from Fès. Defending against European offensives, he also contended with rebellious Berber tribes in the mountains. Meknès stands as the dynasty’s foremost achievement, a city with Hispano-Moorish architecture, surrounded by tall walls adorned with monumental gates. It epitomizes the harmonious blend of Islamic and European styles.

The French Protectorate

The Treaty for the Organization of the French Protectorate in the Cherifian Empire, known as the Treaty of Fès, established a French protectorate over the majority of the empire on the eve of the First World War. The regions of Tetouan in the north and Ifni in the south were held by Spain following a secret agreement between France and Spain. The area of Tangier was subjected to a special regime, later specified by the Paris Convention of December 18, 1923, designating it as a city under international status. These various agreements governed Morocco until its independence in 1956.

Modern Morocco

Following independence, the Sultan assumed the title of King, known as Mohamed V. On February 26, 1961, his son Hassan II succeeded him until his passing on July 23, 1999. His son, Mohammed VI, became the twenty-third monarch of the Alaouite dynasty and the third to bear the title of King of Morocco. The current Crown Prince, Moulay Hassan, is destined to succeed his august father in the future.