Rabat Archaeological Museum, Rabat

The Rabat Archaeological Museum, established in 1932, stands as Morocco’s premier repository of archaeological artifacts, showcasing an extensive collection spanning prehistoric, pre-Islamic, and Roman periods. Originally a modest institution, the museum has undergone significant expansion to accommodate the growing number of discoveries unearthed across the country. Since 1986, it has also served as the site of the National Museum Collection.

Visitors to the museum embark on a chronological journey through Morocco’s past, beginning with prehistoric relics on the ground floor. This section houses an array of stone tools, arrows, axes, swords, pottery, altars, sarcophagi, and stelae inscribed with ancient markings. The Acheulian culture is particularly well-represented, offering insights into the daily lives of early inhabitants. Human remains from the Middle Paleolithic to the Neolithic period (circa 4000 B.C.) are also part of the museum’s rich collection.

The pre-Islamic section features artifacts from major archaeological sites such as Volubilis, Banasa, Thamusida, Sala, and Mogador. The displays include everyday objects like plates, dishes, glasses, and knives, illustrating early Mediterranean trade connections, particularly between Morocco and Carthage. On the upper floor, findings from Sala-Chellah include an early Christian altar and a Byzantine censer, highlighting the region’s diverse historical influences.

The museum’s standout exhibit features pre-Roman and Roman artifacts, including Hellenistic-style bronzes like the ‘Drunken Donkey,’ ‘Volubilis Dog,’ and ‘Young Man Crowned with Ivy.’ It also showcases the marble ‘Heads of Young Berbers,’ blending classical artistry with Berber heritage, highlighting North Africa’s cultural ties to the Mediterranean.

The Rabat Archaeological Museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in Morocco’s deep and varied history. With its unparalleled collection of artifacts spanning multiple millennia, the museum offers a captivating narrative of the civilizations that have shaped the region.