History
The history of Magreb is as colorful as the life in the Eastern world. At different times Morocco has been ruled by the Carthaginians, the Berbers, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Spanish and the French who all left behind something of their religion, architecture and language.
The territory of contemporary Morocco was established at least 8000 BC by the Berber tribes, who were mostly involved in land cultivation and cattle breeding. 7 centuries BC the first cities built by Phoenician merchants appear on the coast of Northern Africa. When Phoenicians and Berbers get in contact modern Berber language evolves. Already in the 6-5 centuries BC all Phoenicians colonies go under Carthage power. 2 centuries BC Romans take over. In the Roman time the primeval society falls apart, evolves class society and cities develop. Even that period does not last long, because with the downfall of the Roman Empire Morocco is conquered by the Vandals and Byzantines, who never even reach the Atlas mountain region which is still under the influence of the Berbers.
In the 7th century Arabian conquerors reach Moroccan territory and already in 711 AD the whole of Morocco was annexed to Arabian Caliphate. Most of the Berber tribes turned to Islam but it meant some blood spilling via domestic wars. One of the conquerors, Idris ibn Abdallah or Idris I, gathers power and establishes Idris Dynasty with a power center in Fes, but the reign of Idris Dynasty does not last long. Already in the 10th century AD the changing of rulers gains ground and until Alouite’s Dynasty comes to power in 1666 nine different rulers manage to govern the territory.
The Alouite Dynasty that seized power in 1666 rules the country also today. One of the accomplishments of the Alouites can be considered to be the successful stabilization of the country and bringing under the pirate ruled Rabat-Salé region. In the time of Alouites reign first important international political agreements were signed. For example, in 1777 Morocco was the first county in the world to acknowledge the USA as an independent county and ensured the safety of American merchant ships against pirate attacks. The Moroccan- American Amity Treaty that came into force in 1786 is the first still valid Amity Treaty for the United States. The first property acquired by the American government in Morocco was the US Consulate in Tangier.
During several centuries Morocco was a rather strong country but its influence and wealth dimished and already in the beginning of the 20th century it was colonized by the countries of Old Europe. Rivalry for the right of colonization took place between Great Britain, Spain, France and Germany. Moroccan territory was divided and re-divided between those countries during decades until in 1956 sultan Mohammed V managed to become the first ruler of independent Morocco with the help of the resistance movement.