Historical Cartography
The Dynasty Timeline
Seven dynasties. 1,237 years. One unbroken thread.
Morocco is one of the oldest continuous states in Africa. From the Idrisids in 789 to the Alaouites today, seven dynasties have held power — alternating between Arab Sharifian families and Berber tribal confederations, between Fes and Marrakech, between expansion and retreat.
Timeline
Bar width = duration. Click to expand. Overlaps show transitions of power.
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This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
© 2026 Dancing with Lions. All rights reserved.
This visualization may not be reproduced without visible attribution.
The Pattern
The Fes–Marrakech Oscillation
Power swings between the two cities: Idrisids (Fes), Almoravids (Marrakech), Almohads (Marrakech), Marinids (Fes), Wattasids (Fes), Saadians (Marrakech), Alaouites (Meknes, then Rabat). The capital is always a political statement.
Arab vs Berber
Three Arab-origin dynasties (Idrisid, Saadian, Alaouite) and four Berber (Almoravid, Almohad, Marinid, Wattasid). The Sharifian claim — descent from the Prophet — legitimises the current monarchy. Both traditions built the country.
The Alaouite Exception
At 395 years, the Alaouites are the longest-reigning dynasty and one of the longest in the world. They survived French colonisation, maintained the monarchy through independence, and will host the 2030 World Cup. No other Moroccan dynasty lasted half as long.
Dynasty Capitals
Seven dynasties in 1,237 years. The Idrisids founded Fes. The Almoravids founded Marrakech. The Almohads built the Koutoubia. The Marinids built the medersas. The Saadians defeated Portugal. The Alaouites are still here. Every dynasty left a monument. The monument that persists longest is the idea of Morocco itself.
Sources
Dates, rulers, and monuments from Abun-Nasr (1987) “A History of the Maghrib,” Julien (1952) “History of North Africa,” Terrasse (1949), and Encyclopædia of Islam. Al-Qarawiyyin founding: UNESCO. Sultan counts approximate; succession disputes make exact numbering contested.
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