Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports announced today that a crew has discovered several remains and underground structures in the centre of the Medina in Sale, Rabat’s twin city specifically in “Foundouk Al Kaa Al Kadima.”
The announcement comes after a month-long excavation campaign, following construction workers’ accidental discovery of the structures while working on the renovation project in the Ancient Medina in Sale.
The Ministry mentioned in the official statement that an investigation was conducted upon the discovery of the ruins by construction crews, before informing the other parties involved in the project that excavation would begin in June.
The campaign was led by Dr. Lahcen Taouchikht, who is the head of the Islamic Archeology Department at the National Institute for Archeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP), in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs and a specialized company in the domain.
The excavations, which will continue until the first week of July, uncovered ancient ruins that represent defining events for the site’s usage throughout its history.
The structures extend over at least four levels, and contain various remains as well as a vault with three different rooms, all built using different techniques. It is suspected that the vault was used as a storehouse or a jail, according to the Ministry’s statement.
There were also several metals and ceramic plates and containers, which signify the extensive and rich history of the location, along with sixty pieces of cannon ammunition of different sizes.
The Ministry’s statement noted that the discoveries from the excavation campaign will be published in more detail in an upcoming scientific report, which will also detail suggestions to incorporate the site into the existing renovation project.
The discovery of the site further enriches Morocco’s rich history and cultural landscape. In addition, this is not the first time recently that such a site was discovered by construction crews, as a similar event happened in Tangier in February.
