Why it matters

Casablanca is home to the richest archaeological site in North Africa, located in Tit Mellil and dating back 2.5 million years.

Casablanca is home to the richest archaeological site in North Africa, located in Tit Mellil and dating back 2.5 million years. Discovered in 1985, the site was first excavated in 1989. It consists of caves and fissures in fossil dune cliffs, situated about 100 meters above sea level, which have yielded over 4,000 fossils and nearly 80 vertebrate species, including some aquatic forms.

The site features reptiles, snakes, giant tortoises, and a variety of birds ranging from ostriches to small songbirds, and even a rare type of duck. Large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceroses, giant giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes, including extinct horses and a rare type of wild donkey, have been discovered.

Also notable are the dromedaries, which were still rare in Africa at that time, and hippopotamuses. The site also includes newly appeared hyena species in Africa and a diverse range of felines of all sizes, such as leopards, cheetahs, wildcats, etc., coexisting with four species of wolves, foxes, ibexes, and jackals.

What will be done

The Casablanca Archaeological Museum will feature artifacts from prehistory and antiquity discovered at various sites across Morocco, according to our sources

To preserve and highlight this archaeological heritage, the Casablanca municipal council has decided to establish an archaeological museum at the Ahl Loghlam site. The Casablanca Archaeological Museum will serve as a true showcase of the nation’s history. It will feature artifacts from prehistory and antiquity discovered at various archaeological sites in Casablanca and across Morocco, according to our sources.

The museum will also include a multimedia room detailing the history of the country and Casablanca. The goal is to make Casablanca a prominent center for Moroccan archaeological heritage by organizing exhibitions throughout the year.

Who is financing it

An agreement was adopted and signed in 2023 between the Casablanca-Settat region, the Ministry of Culture, and the Casablanca municipal council, allocating a budget of 8 million dirhams. The city council will cover 88% of this budget, while its partners, including the National Foundation of Museums (FNM), the Ministry of Culture, and the Casablanca-Settat regional council, will contribute 12% to the project’s funding.

Who is in charge

The project lead, the Local Development Company (SDL) Casa Aménagement, will be responsible for carrying out technical and architectural studies, constructing the museum, and promoting it. The municipal authorities aim to attract 150,000 visitors and organize at least 12 exhibitions per year, according to our sources.

Written in French by Younes Saoury, edited in English by Eric Nielson