Lixus, Archaeological site near Larache, Morocco
Lixus is an ancient city near Larache situated on a hilltop with views over the Loukkos River below. The excavations reveal ruins of temples, baths, residential structures, and facilities for processing fish products left by successive civilizations.
Phoenicians founded the settlement in the 8th century before the common era, and Carthaginian merchants controlled it for centuries afterward. Roman conquest brought imperial rule and reshaped the city into a major trading and production center.
The site shows layers of different peoples who made their home here and left behind their own ways of building and living. The mix of temples, baths, and workshops tells the story of how various communities shared this place over time.
The site sits on sloping terrain, so sturdy footwear and a steady pace help when walking around the ruins. Signage scattered throughout helps visitors understand what different sections are and how they fit into the bigger picture.
Ancient Greek writers connected this place to the legendary garden where golden apples hung from trees guarded by nymphs. This mythological link shows how famous and significant the settlement was in the ancient world.
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