History of Morocco

Morocco, crossroads of civilizations since Antiquity, has a rich history of over 3000 years...

Detailed chronology of dynasties and major events

PeriodDynasty / EventKey facts
~1100 BCPhoeniciansFounding of trading posts (Lixus, Mogador).
789IdrisidsFoundation of Fez, first Islamic capital.
1062AlmoravidsFoundation of Marrakech.
1147AlmohadsCapture of Marrakech, construction of Koutoubia.
1269MarinidsFez becomes capital, madrasas built.
1554-1659SaadiansGolden age: Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace.
1666AlaouitesCurrent dynasty, Moulay Ismail makes Meknes capital.
1912French protectorateTreaty of Fez.
1956IndependenceReturn of Mohammed V.

UNESCO World Heritage sites

SiteCityYear
Medina of FezFez1981
Medina of MarrakechMarrakech1985
Ksar of Ait Ben HaddouAit Ben Haddou1987
Historic city of MeknesMeknes1996