Morocco History Timeline

Morocco, located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, has a rich and diverse history shaped by various civilizations and cultures. From ancient Berber kingdoms to the arrival of Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs, Morocco has always been a melting pot of cultures and ideas. It was later ruled by a succession of powerful dynasties, and its strategic location on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines attracted both European colonizers and traders. Morocco managed to retain its independence for much of its history, despite attempts at colonization, and eventually became a French and Spanish protectorate in the early 20th century. After regaining independence in 1956, Morocco has emerged as a stable nation, balancing tradition with modernity. This timeline provides an overview of key events that have shaped Morocco’s long and complex history.

Ancient Morocco (Before 7th Century CE)

Early Human Settlements and Berber Kingdoms (Prehistoric Times – 1st Century BCE)

• Prehistoric Times: Archaeological evidence suggests that Morocco has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Early human settlements date back hundreds of thousands of years, as indicated by the discovery of Homo sapiens fossils in Jebel Irhoud, believed to be over 300,000 years old.
• Berber Tribes: By around 1000 BCE, Berber (or Amazigh) peoples, who are indigenous to North Africa, dominated the region. These semi-nomadic people established small tribal kingdoms and were skilled traders, dealing in goods like gold, ivory, and salt across the Sahara Desert.

Phoenician and Roman Influence (12th Century BCE – 5th Century CE)

• 12th Century BCE: The Phoenicians, who were skilled sailors and traders from modern-day Lebanon, established trading posts along the Moroccan coast. One of their most notable settlements was Lixus, near modern-day Larache. These outposts facilitated trade with the Berbers, spreading Phoenician culture and influence in the region.
• 146 BCE: The fall of Carthage (a major Phoenician colony in North Africa) to the Romans in 146 BCE marked the beginning of Roman influence in Morocco.
• 42 CE: The Roman Empire formally annexed northern Morocco as part of the province of Mauretania Tingitana, with its capital at Volubilis. Roman rule brought urbanization, infrastructure, and agriculture, but their influence in the region waned by the 5th century as the empire collapsed.

The Arrival of Christianity (3rd – 6th Century)

• 3rd Century CE: Christianity began to spread in Roman-ruled Morocco, particularly among the urban elite in cities like Volubilis. Christian Berber communities became well-established, and several Berber Christian martyrs are commemorated from this period.
• 5th Century: Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the Vandals—a Germanic tribe—invaded North Africa, leading to the decline of Roman cities like Volubilis.

Arab Conquest and the Rise of Islam (7th – 11th Century)

Arab Conquest and the Spread of Islam (7th – 8th Century)

• 682 CE: The Arab expansion into North Africa began in the 7th century under Uqba ibn Nafi, a general of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Arabs introduced Islam to the Berbers, although the initial Arab-Berber relations were tense, with several Berber revolts against Arab authority.
• 710s CE: Islam became more deeply rooted in Morocco as Arab-Berber relations stabilized, leading to the gradual Islamization of the region. Many Berbers embraced Islam while maintaining their distinct cultural identity.

The Idrisid Dynasty: First Islamic Kingdom in Morocco (788 – 974 CE)

• 788 CE: Morocco saw the rise of its first Islamic dynasty, the Idrisid Dynasty, founded by Idris I, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Idris I fled the Abbasid Caliphate and established a stronghold in Morocco, founding the city of Fes in 789, which became a center of Islamic scholarship and culture.
• Idris II (791 – 828): Idris II further consolidated the kingdom, expanding its territory and strengthening the Islamic identity of the region. Fes became a major intellectual and religious hub in the Islamic world.
• 974 CE: The Idrisid Dynasty weakened over time due to internal strife and external pressures from rival powers, leading to its eventual collapse.

The Rise of Powerful Berber Dynasties (11th – 15th Century)

The Almoravid Dynasty (1040 – 1147)

• 1040: The Almoravid Dynasty was founded by Abdallah ibn Yasin, a religious reformer, who led the Sanhaja Berbers in a movement aimed at spreading strict Islamic teachings.
• 1062: The Almoravids established their capital at Marrakech, which would later become one of the most important cities in Morocco.
• 1086: The Almoravids expanded their influence across North Africa and into Spain, where they successfully defended Muslim territories in Al-Andalus from Christian forces in the Battle of Zallaqa.
• 1130: After reaching the height of their power, the Almoravids began to decline due to internal dissent and external pressures from rival dynasties, particularly the Almohads.

The Almohad Dynasty (1147 – 1269)

• 1147: The Almoravid Dynasty was overthrown by the Almohads, a Berber movement led by Ibn Tumart who advocated for a more puritanical interpretation of Islam. Under the leadership of Abd al-Mu’min, the Almohads expanded their empire across North Africa and into southern Spain.
• 12th Century: The Almohads oversaw a golden age of intellectual and cultural development. They supported architecture, science, and philosophy, and commissioned some of the most iconic landmarks in Moroccan history, such as the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.
• 1212: The Almohads suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa against Christian forces in Spain, which marked the beginning of the decline of Almohad power.
• 1269: The Almohad Dynasty collapsed as the last of its rulers was overthrown by the Marinids, a rival Berber dynasty.

The Marinid Dynasty (1244 – 1465)

• 1244: The Marinid Dynasty, originating from the Zenata Berber tribe, came to power in Morocco after defeating the Almohads. The Marinids attempted to continue the expansionist policies of their predecessors but focused more on consolidating their rule within Morocco.
• Fes as a Cultural Center: Under the Marinids, Fes once again became a thriving center of culture and learning. The University of Al Quaraouiyine flourished during this time, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.
• 1465: The Marinid Dynasty began to decline due to internal conflict and external pressure from European powers. The last Marinid ruler was overthrown in 1465, leading to the rise of the Wattasid Dynasty.

Portuguese and Spanish Encroachments and the Saadian Dynasty (15th – 17th Century)

European Colonization Attempts and the Fall of the Wattasids (15th – 16th Century)

• 15th Century: As the power of the Marinids waned, European powers, especially Portugal and Spain, began to assert control over parts of Morocco’s coastline. The Portuguese captured important coastal cities such as Ceuta (1415), Tangier, and Agadir, disrupting Morocco’s trade routes and coastal defenses.
• Wattasid Dynasty (1472 – 1554): The Wattasids, a Berber dynasty, ruled Morocco during this period of external threat but were largely unable to stop the Portuguese and Spanish advances.

The Saadian Dynasty and Moroccan Resurgence (1510 – 1659)

• 1510s: The Saadian Dynasty arose in southern Morocco, beginning as a religious movement that resisted Portuguese incursions. The Saadians, led by Mohammed al-Sheikh, successfully unified Morocco and expelled the Portuguese from key coastal cities.
• 1578: The Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur led Morocco to victory against Portugal at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir (1578), a turning point in which King Sebastian of Portugal was killed, leading to the decline of Portuguese influence in Morocco.
• 1591: Al-Mansur launched an ambitious military campaign to conquer the Songhai Empire in West Africa, which brought immense wealth to Morocco but overstretched its resources.
• 1659: The Saadian Dynasty fell due to internal strife and succession crises, giving rise to the Alaouite Dynasty, which still rules Morocco today.

The Alaouite Dynasty and the European Colonial Period (17th – 20th Century)

The Rise of the Alaouite Dynasty (1666 – 19th Century)

• 1666: The Alaouite Dynasty was founded by Moulay Rashid, who successfully reunified Morocco after the chaos that followed the fall of the Saadians. The Alaouites trace their ancestry to the Prophet Muhammad, giving them legitimacy as rulers.
• Moulay Ismail (1672 – 1727): Moulay Ismail is considered one of the most powerful Alaouite rulers. He fortified the kingdom, drove back European invaders, and built the imperial city of Meknes. His reign marked a period of relative stability and centralized power.
• 18th – 19th Century: The Alaouite rulers maintained Morocco’s independence through diplomacy, trade, and limited military engagement with European powers, though the kingdom faced increasing pressure from France, Spain, and Great Britain during this period.

French and Spanish Colonization (1912 – 1956)

• 1884: Spain established a protectorate over parts of northern Morocco, including the Rif region and the Western Sahara.
• 1912: The Treaty of Fez was signed, formally establishing Morocco as a French protectorate, while Spain retained control over the northern and southern coastal areas. The Sultan, Moulay Yusef, remained as a figurehead, but real power lay with the French authorities.

Moroccan Resistance to Colonial Rule

• 1920 – 1926: The Rif War broke out as Berber tribes in the northern Rif region, led by Abd el-Krim, revolted against Spanish and French colonial rule. Although Abd el-Krim achieved some early successes and declared the short-lived Republic of the Rif, the revolt was eventually crushed by combined French and Spanish forces.
• 1930s – 1940s: Nationalist movements advocating for Moroccan independence gained momentum during World War II. The Istiqlal Party emerged as a leading voice calling for an end to French and Spanish control.

Moroccan Independence and Modern History (1956 – Present)

The Road to Independence (1956)

• 1944: The Manifesto of Independence was issued by Moroccan nationalists, calling for an end to the French and Spanish protectorates and the restoration of full sovereignty to the Moroccan monarchy.
• 1953 – 1955: Sultan Mohammed V was exiled by the French due to his support for Moroccan independence, but his removal only intensified nationalist resistance.
• 1956: After years of pressure and nationalist resistance, France and Spain agreed to grant Morocco independence. Sultan Mohammed V returned from exile and became the first King of an independent Morocco, overseeing the transition from a protectorate to a sovereign state.

Reign of King Mohammed V and King Hassan II (1956 – 1999)

• Mohammed V (1956 – 1961): Mohammed V laid the foundation for modern Morocco by establishing key institutions such as the government, parliament, and judiciary. His reign focused on unifying the country and maintaining its newly gained independence.
• King Hassan II (1961 – 1999): Following the death of Mohammed V, his son Hassan II ascended the throne. Hassan II’s reign was marked by economic modernization, infrastructure development, and political centralization, but also by periods of unrest and opposition, particularly in the 1970s.

The Western Sahara Conflict

• 1975: Following Spain’s withdrawal from the Western Sahara, Morocco annexed the territory, leading to an ongoing conflict with the Polisario Front, which sought independence for the region. The conflict continues to affect Morocco’s relations with neighboring countries and the international community.

Reign of King Mohammed VI (1999 – Present)

• 1999: Upon the death of King Hassan II, his son Mohammed VI became the new King of Morocco. Mohammed VI implemented significant political and economic reforms aimed at liberalizing the economy, modernizing infrastructure, and improving human rights conditions.
• 2011 Protests: Amid the wider Arab Spring protests, Morocco witnessed demonstrations calling for political reform and greater civil liberties. In response, King Mohammed VI introduced a new constitution that devolved more powers to the parliament and judiciary, while maintaining the monarchy’s role as a central institution.
• Economic and Social Development: Under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has pursued ambitious economic reforms, with an emphasis on renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, and trade. The country has also sought to strengthen its international relations, particularly with African and European nations.