Meknes City
It was the Berber tribe of Miknasa who founded this Meknes city in the tenth century and it is they also who gave it the name.
Meknes city was rebuilt by the invading Almoravids in a fortified compound even after they have destroyed it in 1069. The Almohad and Merinids demolished it again two centuries later.
The Merinids ,winning their war against the Almohad, contributed to the reconstruction of the city and also benifited and adorned the city. They also erected many mosques and madrasas there. Thanks to Alawids, Meknes became prestigious. 
Meknes city became the capital of the Kingdom in 1672 with the advent of Moulay Ismail. The Sultan built it even more and made it a stunning imperial city.
The fall of Meknes started in 1727 at the death of Moulay Ismail. The imperial Meknes city later fell into ruin in 1755 because of the earthquake.
Meknes became an important military base with the arrival of the French several centuries later. The French settle on the right bank of the wadi.
At 33 km from Meknes there sits the Roman ruins of Volubilis, whose origin dates back to the Second and Third centuries AD. Volubilis was inhabited until the seventeenth century when Moulay Ismail plundered the ruins of marble to build his palace.
The ruins have been excavated systematically and we still see some beautiful mosaics representing eg Hercules, nymphs bathing and washing of Hylas by nymphs. There is also a beautiful mosaic depicting Bacchus in a chariot drawn by panthers.
Human occupation of Volubilis date 6 000 BC. King Juba II made the city of Volubilis a flagship of the Kingdom of Mauretania in 25 BC.
Juba II was a staunch ally of the imperial power.In 40 AD the territory became Roman by Caligula who flew from North Africa to the Empire. Caligula also murdered the son of Juba II, Ptolemy in Lyon at that time. 
Under the Romans the trading of olive oil ensured made this region very rich with around Fifty mills.
The Capitol was built during the 2nd and 3rd century, but also many other beautiful monuments were built in it and around it.
The city was abandoned in 285 by the Romans, but the Latin will continue to use it for official acts.
Islam arrived in the 7th century and extended beyond Volubilis. 
Idris I made Volubilis (Oualili "oleander" in Arabic) the capital in 788 and remained until 808 when Fez city took power as the capital.
The Roman ruins of Volubilis are available for all visitors every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. Entrance fees at: 20 Dh (2 $) for foreigners and residents. Free for residents on Friday. 
Individual tours or with a guide. Official Guides at the site's entrance. Ask at the counter. Beware of fake guides: negotiate ...
Attention:
In summer, sometimes scorching heat. Bring a hat and water. You will not find shade on the site ...I Emphasize that the best times are when it's cooler (and more serene ...) in the morning and evening.
For hotels I recommend:
 | Dar Zerhoune Dar Zerhoune is a traditional house restored with modern amenities, ensuite bathrooms, and two terraces with views over Volubilis mountains and Moulay Idriss Zerhoune... Starting at US $23 Per Night >> Click For Details & Pictures |
RealAdventures | Meknes, Morocco Bed & Breakfasts | Morocco Bed & Breakfasts | Morocco Vacations | Bed & Breakfasts | Meknes, Morocco | |
 | Riad Felloussia This old home was completely renovated in the last three years using traditional building techniques.... Starting at US $29 Per Night >> Click For Details & Pictures |
RealAdventures | Meknes, Morocco Bed & Breakfasts | Morocco Bed & Breakfasts | Morocco Vacations | Bed & Breakfasts | Meknes, Morocco | |
Agadir City | Casablanca City | Essaouira City | Marrakech City | Meknes City || Ouarzazate City | Tangier City| Rabat City | Chefchaouen City | Taroudant City |
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