Moroccan dynasties

As you stroll along Lalla Rkia Street, let’s take a look at the various dynasties that have ruled Morocco over the course of its history. While some of them are known to have passed on a legacy that bears witness to their power and domination, others have been much more discreet.

Morocco was already inhabited by Berbers long before the arrival of the first dynasties. The Arabs arrived in North Africa in the 7th century, and the first dynasty to settle in part of Morocco was the Umayyad dynasty. The first state to be established on Moroccan soil was in 789 under the reign of Idris I, who founded the Idrissid dynasty, the first dynasty to officially govern the state of Morocco.

However, it lost its influence over time and the state eventually ceased to exist. Morocco’s history really began with the arrival of the Almoravids, who founded Marrakech in the 11th century and made it the capital of the territory. They conquered the north of the country as well as Andalusia, turning Morocco into a real country.

Less than a century after their arrival, they were replaced by the Almohads, who also left behind a rich architectural and cultural heritage and further extended their territory in Andalusia and along the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, the Spaniards refused to give in and won a battle in 1212. It was a setback for the Almohads, who eventually lost their influence and gave way to the Marinids, a new dynasty that ruled the country from 1269.

This marked the beginning of a dark period for Morocco, marked by revolts and uprisings: the royal family was even massacred and replaced by the Wattassid dynasty two centuries later. However, this dynasty, whose capital was Fez, was no better and was unable to protect the country. Andalusia was entirely reclaimed by the Spanish. In 1549, this dynasty died out when the Saadians took power.

The Saadians established their capital in Marrakech and restored the country’s power and wealth. Their reign was marked by victories against Portugal, the construction of sumptuous palaces and unprecedented expansion. It lasted until 1659, when their sultan was killed and replaced by the Alaouite dynasty. Morocco has been ruled by this dynasty for 400 years now! Nowadays, the Kingdom of Morocco is ruled by Monarch Mohammed VI, the 23rd monarch of the Alaouite dynasty. This is the longest-reigning dynasty of all those that have ruled the country, and one of the oldest reigning royal families in the world!