Souss-Massa is a land rich in culture, tradition, and natural wonders, it is also a big archaeological site. The Region’s territory has caught the interest of archaeologists from all over the world, having been inhabited from the dawn of time by dinosaurs and afterwards by multiple civilizations.
The archaeological adventure is awaiting you, whether you are a professional or a beginner! While some archaeological sites require a scientific background to explore, others are completely open to the public and are easily accessible.
Anza, a beach town about 10 minutes away from downtown Agadir, is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in Morocco, if not in the world. Several levels of limestone and sandstone just at the ocean’s edge exhibit several paths of three-toed footprints, marking the passage of bipedal dinosaurs around 85 million years ago. Dating from the upper Cretaceous age, and more specifically the Santonian age, these deposits are of interest for two main reasons: the rarity of the footprints, since the traces of this age are nearly impossible to locate, and its high number and quality.
Around Agadir, in the area of Mesguina, limestone slabs from the Maastrichtian era reveal various dinosaur traces. Two of them stand out due to their unique shapes. Initially believed to be a Lacertilian, a type of reptile, it was eventually revealed that they belonged to an unknown species of pterosaurs, which was then named Agadirichnus elegans in honor of the city. The footprint was discovered in 1954 and is thought to be the world’s first described pterosaur footprint.
Archeology in Souss-Massa is more than just the study of prehistoric wildlife “fauna” and plant life “flora”. The Region also contains various archaeological sites of vanished cities, the ruins conceal important archaeological resources. The ongoing archaeological excavations allow for the identification of past life in these cities as well as the creation of a detailed historical map of the region. The Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, the fortress of Igiliz, and the buried city of Tamedlout remain the most notable sites.