Volubilis · The Edge of Rome

Volubilis was Rome’s city on the African frontier. Stone-paved avenues, a triumphal arch, a basilica and olive-oil presses are still standing, with mosaics on the ground: Neptune, hunting scenes, myths from the baths.

It was abandoned after an earthquake in the fourth century, and for eighteen centuries nobody touched its stones; the Arabs later built their own town beside it and called the old one “Walili”.

The thing pointed out most often on the site is a “talking stone”: when the wind passes between the columns, it sounds like someone speaking in a low voice.

Historical Mysteries / Meknès · Morocco / 3rd century BC