The rise and fall of Mauretania, a forgotten Amazigh kingdom

Some Moroccans proudly speak of their «kingdom of twelve centuries», tracing statehood back to Idris I in 788 AD. But the story doesn’t begin there. Centuries earlier, the Kingdom of Mauretania rose on this soil, a Berber monarchy that minted its own coins, struck alliances, and faced down Rome. With rulers like Baga and Bocchus, it challenges the familiar tale and reveals Morocco’s deeper, forgotten roots.

Caligula killed a king of Roman Morocco over a purple cloak

Ptolemy, the last king of Mauretania, which included parts of modern-day Morocco, was executed by Roman Emperor Caligula in 40 AD over a purple cloak. Following his death, Mauretania was annexed by Rome and divided into provinces, with northern Morocco becoming Mauretania Tingitana.

Baga, Bocchus and Juba … these Berber Kings who ruled Roman-era Mauretania

Ancient Mauretania, which refers to present-day Maghreb, was ruled for centuries by powerful Berber Kings who played a crucial role in writing the Roman and Greek history. Baga, Bocchus, Juba and Bogud, were kings who fought some of the greatest wars of the ancient times and left their footprint in Africa and Europe’s shared history.