The Mkanssa tribe, meaning “warriors” in Berber, were the first inhabitants of Meknes in the tenth century and eventually gave the city its name. Over time, they expanded the city. In the 17th century, Moulay Ismaíl Alalaoui established Meknes as the capital of Morocco and built its walls and magnificent gates. However, after his death in 1727, the city began to decline and soon lost its capital status.
While in Meknes, visitors can explore its artisanal markets, El-Hedim Square, Bab el-Mansour Gate, the Mausoleum of Mulay Ismaíl, Medersa Bouanania, and Heri Souani – the royal stables of Mulay Ismaíl which housed up to 12,000 horses. After visiting Meknes, travelers can head to Volubilis, one of the oldest Roman capitals in Morocco with a population of over 20,000 dedicated to wheat cultivation. Volubilis was part of the Roman Empire until the end of the third century and later became a refuge for Idrís I who made it the birthplace of Islam in the area in the 8th century.