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Jan 1, 1000
Roman Empire Conquers Morocco
In ancient times northern Morocco was part of the North African region called Mauretania. In about the 1st century AD Mauretania became a district of the Roman Empire. The Romans banished the Carthaginians, and took over the Berber kingdoms. They conquered the African Mediterranean coast for almost six centuries. -
Jan 1, 1000
Jews In Morocco
Jews have lived in Morocco since the early first century, even before the Romans did. There have been Hebrew inscriptions found on tombstones in Fez. The berber population of Morocco converted to Judaism first and had equal rights with the Muslim Berbers until the 5th century. -
Jan 1, 1000
Arab Tribes Develop
Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries, nomadic Arab tribes began to develop in towns, cities, and on lowland plains throughout Morocco. They were excluded from taxtion by the Berber states, in exchange for armed services. -
Jan 1, 1050
Religion in Morocco
In the 11th century, many Berbers followed the unorthodox Kharijite party. There were also Berber Islamic Kingdoms of the Almoravids and the Almohads that ruled Morocco from 1050- the mid-13th century. -
Jan 1, 1544
Arab Supremecy
In 1544 A.D., the Arabs won their fight for superiority, and King Mohammed V ruled Morocco. When parts of Morocco and the Western Sahara came under Portuguese, Spanish and French authority in the 15th century, the Arabs lost their reign. -
The House of Alawi
In the mid-17th century the Saharan Berbers started a popular Islamic movement and brought the Alawi to power. The present monarchy still belongs to The House of Alawi, today. -
The Green March
Since 1974 Morocco has tried to gain its territorial claims on Western Sahara,which has been controlled by Spain. Morocco and Mauritania both protested Spain's plan to give independence to the area. In 1975,King Hassan II ordered a march of 350,000 unarmed civilians to take control of the territory,known as the %u201CGreen March%u201D. This started an Independence movement and guerrilla fighters began to attack government troops. Spain withdrew in February 1976,which gave Morocco control of the territory. -
Morocco's current government
King Mohammed VI is the current ruler of Morocco. The King is head of the state, commander in chief of the armed forces, and the spiritual leader of his country. He appoints the Prime Minister who nominates members of the Council of Ministers. There is a Legislative branch, which holds The Chamber of Counselors and of Representatives, Parliament, and Constitutional Council. There is a Judiciary, which holds Communal, District, and Primary Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.
