Ruins of Roman Moat Discovered in Tamuda, Northern Morocco

Tamuda Archaeological Site, Moat Discovery

The ruins of a Roman moat have been discovered in Tamuda, an ancient Roman city and military camp near Morocco’s Northern city Tetouan.

The archaeological finding has piqued the interest of researchers, historians, and archeologists from around the world. This discovery by the Spanish University of Cadiz is significant because it proves a Roman military camp existed in Tamuda, likely during the reign of Emperor Claudius. The excavation also yields insight into the society who lived there. Archaeologists have noted that within the rooms, objects look abandoned in a hasty way, possibly indicating an attack. Others clues indicate a connection to Roman statesman Quintus Sertorius and his campaign in the Maghreb when he captured Tangier.

The Roman site of Tamuda was discovered in 1921 by Spanish archeologist Cesar Luis de Montalbán. It is part of a collaboration between the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and the University of Cadiz, who are funded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture and a private Spanish organization, Palarq.