Mosaic in the ancient city of Volubilis

Mosaic in the ancient city of Volubilis

The mosaic depicting the Adventures of Hercules Labours of Hercules once adorning the halls of a opulent mansion is a testament to the city's history as a major olive oil production center within the Roman Empire. Originally the capital of the Kingdom of Mauritania before its annexation by the Roman Empire the well-preserved ancient floor mosaics are found within the ruins of noble residences such as the House of Orpheus the foundations of the Basilica the Capitol and the Triumphal Arch. Much of the original pre-Roman city walls was either overbuilt or destroyed leaving only a few remaining ruins.

Excavations have uncovered caches of gold and silver coins dating back to the 8th century clustered outside the city walls numerous inscribed stone fragments are found among the ruins however the area is infested with snakes and many scorpions are visible beneath the rocks. A statue of a nymph pouring water into a carved marble basin at the base of the Caracalla Arch is one of Volubilis's most striking landmarks originally a bronze chariot was mounted on top.

The city's wealth is confirmed by the elaborate design of its buildings. Some buildings still have large mosaics in their original locations these mosaics depict the twelve labors of the demigod the House of Hercules' labors believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Commodus and the House of Orpheus in the southern part of the city which derives its name from the large Orpheus mosaic depicting the god playing a lyre for an audience of trees this ancient city flourished most during the 2nd-3rd centuries AD. A key highlight is the abundance of well-preserved mosaic floors remaining. These are the ruins of ancient Roman civilization at Volubilis Morocco.