Archaeological Site of Lixus Larache

## An ancient settlement in the Loukkos valley The archaeological site of Lixus occupies a hill on the right bank of the Loukkos River, near its Atlantic mouth and the city of Larache. Archaeological research places the origins of the ancient settlement around the first third of the eighth century BCE, although dates and phases of occupation remain subject to study. The visible remains document Phoenician, Punic, Mauretanian, Roman and Islamic phases of the site's long history. ## Fishing industries and Atlantic exchange Access to the river and ocean shaped the ancient city's economy. Lixus took part in Atlantic and Mediterranean exchange networks and developed installations for processing fish. Salting vats and associated workshops provide evidence of the preparation of preserved products and fish sauces for trade. The city flourished particularly during the reigns of the Mauretanian rulers Juba II and Ptolemy and remained active under Roman administration. ## Streets, monuments and archaeological evidence The settlement extends over the slopes of the hill known as Tchemmich, with streets, residential structures and buildings connected to public, religious and commercial activities. Archaeologists have studied baths, mosaics and production areas to reconstruct urban development. Classical narratives and later traditions also associate the region with the Garden of the Hesperides and the adventures of Hercules, but these mythological accounts should be distinguished from the physical archaeological record. ## Visiting Lixus Morocco's Ministry of Culture runs the official booking service and gives indicative hours of around 9 am to 5 pm. Some areas may be restricted for conservation or research. The ruins of Lixus are different from [Lixus – Bab Al Bahr Cultural Centre](/en/institutions/centre-culturel-lixus-larache) in Larache. The [Archaeological Museum of Tetouan](/en/institutions/musee-archeologique-tetouan) offers additional context for the ancient history of northern Morocco. ### Sources and photograph credit Source: [managing institution or UNESCO](https://e-services.minculture.gov.ma/fr/tickets/site-archeologique-de-lixus). Photograph: [BusinkaSalima](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ruins_of_the_ancient_city_of_Lixus%2C_Larache%2C_Morocco.jpg), CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, no reported alterations.