Fatshimétrie: The fascinating exhibition on the archaeological site of Chellah in Morocco
Located near Rabat, Chellah is an archaeological site of millennia of wealth that highlights the cultural heritage of Morocco. With an area of 3.15 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site is almost five times larger than Pompeii.
Archaeologists estimate that it was once a bustling port city, close to the current capital of Morocco. The exhibition organized at the Museum of the Central Bank of Morocco offers visitors the opportunity to discover up close the “hidden treasures” of Chellah, as indicated by a sign at the entrance.
Rochdi Bernoussi, director of the museum, underlines the importance of this historic site and the current exhibition that aims to highlight Chellah. The latter is a vital link to understanding the ancient history of Morocco, marked by the influence of multiple civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Amazighs, Romans and Arabs.
It is established that the region was first settled by the Phoenicians and that it became a key outpost of the Roman Empire from the 2nd to the 5th century. The fortified necropolis and surrounding settlements were built near the Atlantic Ocean along the banks of the Bou Regreg River.
Moroccan and foreign visitors to the exhibition rediscover the history of this often overlooked city. Admission is free for this exhibition which will run until the end of April.
The exhibits offer perspectives on the economic, social and political development of the region, with a particular focus on the role of currency in understanding the economic history of Morocco. Smahane Bouktab, head of the museum’s numismatic research department, says Chellah has a series of bronze coins that clearly represent the city’s local agricultural products and reference its religious identity.
Last year, archaeologists unearthed other ancient ruins in Chellah, including thermal baths and working-class neighborhoods. Both Rochdi Bernoussi and the head of the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage, Abdeljalil Bouzouggar, believe the site still holds undiscovered secrets.
Beyond its historical significance, Chellah is a window into Morocco’s past and a witness to the exchanges between various civilizations that shaped the region. The current exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to delve into this rich cultural heritage and marvel at the remains of a bygone era, while encouraging the preservation of this heritage for future generations.