Here in Volubilis between the Moroccan cities of Meknes and Fez lie the ancient traces of many empires. At a time when northern Morocco was under Mauritania, which was around 3rd B.C., Volubilis was the administrative capital of the kingdom. It was also an important outpost for the Roman Empire. History has it that at its peak, this enormous 42-hectare walled city housed about 20,000 residents and even comprised grand parliament buildings and public hammams (baths). After the arrival of Islam however, the churches in the area were destroyed and much later, a large majority of the residents moved to Fez, slowly abandoning Volubilis. The city finally underwent mass destruction during the infamous eighteenth-century Lisbon Earthquake and now stands in ruins. In 1997, Volubilis was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit, you will be left in awe at some of the structures left standing, which include various arches and gates. Although parts of them may have been reduced to rubble, the structures that still exist continue to wow people today, especially since they’re so ancient. You will definitely end up feeling like an archaeologist over here.