RABAT (Reuters) – Moroccan archaeologists made a stunning discovery on Friday – the unveiling of a Roman-era site in Rabat. This incredible find includes a port district, a bath, and a cemetery dating back to the second century.
Lead archaeologist Abdelaziz El Khayari stated at a news conference on site that this archaeological site, now the third largest in Morocco, will provide valuable insights into the lives of Roman settlers, as well as the romanised Moroccans or Mauro-Romans of that time.
The Roman-era bath is an impressive structure spanning over 2000 square meters (21,527 square feet), resembling its imperial counterparts in Rome.
During their excavation, archaeologists also stumbled upon a headless statue of a Roman deity from the second century. El Khayari mentioned that it was common for ancient Moroccans, when they adopted Christianity around the fifth century, to behead statues representing Roman gods.
Excavations, which were launched in March, are still ongoing in search of the port and other sections of what is believed to be one of the largest Roman towns in the country. The site is conveniently located near the Bouregreg river and the Atlantic coast.
These newly uncovered monuments are an extension of the nearby Chellah, a Roman-era site and popular tourist attraction. In the 13th century, the Muslim Marinide dynasty constructed a fortified necropolis there.
(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Josie Kao)
