A Moroccan-Polish research team carried out an archaeological dig from April 24 to May 7, 2023, in the area of the ancient city of Volubilis, according to the National Institute of Archaeological and Heritage Sciences (INSAP).
The team–comprised of students from the INSAP, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and Warsaw University–was on hand to explore the Roman defense system in the Volubilis region.
Excavations focused on part of a watchtower near the Zeggota pass, which controlled the eastern boundary of the Volubilis territory and the southeastern frontier of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana.
The excavation, which is due to continue in order to clear the entire tower, has already enabled experts to date a circular enclosure wall which purportedly enclosed the watchtower.
The monument dates back to the early Roman period, making it one of the first elements of the defense system implemented by the imperial army to control the western part of the ancient kingdom of Mauritania.
This is the second systematic excavation in the region as part of Moroccan-Polish collaborative project.