The city of Volubilis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauritania. Founded in the 3rd century BC, it became one of the most important peripheral settlements of the Roman Empire and was endowed with many beautiful monuments. The city was first excavated by the French during the French regime of Morocco between 1912 and 1956. Although most of the city has not yet been excavated, it is one of the best preserved ruins of the ancient Roman Empire in Europe.