Morocco is a country located in the northwest corner of Africa.
In Wolfram’s Parzival, it is said that Perceval’s father Gahmuret had adventures and won honor in this African kingdom.
Morocco | 0 to 800 AD
Pre-Roman Period and Roman Influence
In the centuries leading up to the Common Era, the region that would become Marocco was inhabited by indigenous Berber tribes. These Berber communities had their own distinct cultures and languages.
During the Roman Empire’s expansion into North Africa, the territory of present-day Marocco was incorporated into the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitana, which covered parts of modern-day Marocco and Algeria. Roman cities, roads, and infrastructure were established in the region, and Latin became the administrative and cultural language.
Vandal and Byzantine Rule
In the fifth century, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe, and later the Byzantine Empire, briefly controlled parts of North Africa, including parts of what is now Morocco.
Berber Dynasties
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Berber dynasties began to emerge in North Africa. Notably, the Berber Kingdom of Mauretania existed in the western part of present-day Morocco.
Islamic Conquest and Early Islamic Dynasties
In the early eighth century, during the Islamic expansion, Arab armies crossed into North Africa and reached Morocco. The Arab-Muslim conquest led to the spread of Islam and Arabic culture in the region. The city of Tangier was one of the first Moroccan cities to fall to the Muslims. Morocco came under the rule of various Arab and Berber dynasties, including the Umayyad Caliphate, the Idrisid Dynasty, and the Aghlabids. Each dynasty left its own mark on the culture and governance in the region.
Trade and Commerce
Morocco’s strategic location on the trade routes between North Africa and Europe contributed to its economic prosperity during this period.
Berber Rebellions
Berber communities periodically rebelled against Arab rule during this era, leading to conflicts and shifting power dynamics.
Source
Parzival | Wolfram von Eschenbach, 1200–1210