Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Saadians ight both alongside and against Portugal at the Battle of Three Kings, end-
ing with 8000 dead, a scant 100 survivors and the decimation of Portugal's ruling class.
1591
With 4000 European mercenaries, Ahmed al-Mansour ed-Dahbi crosses the Sahara and de-
feats a 40,000-strong army for control of the fabled desert caravan destination of Timbuktu.
1610-14
Oxford graduate and erstwhile lawyer Henry Mainwaring founds the Masmouda Pirates
Republic near Rabat, pillaging Canadian cod, French salt-ish and Portuguese wine. He is
later elected to Britain's parliament.
1659-66
The Alawites end years of civil war, and even strike an uneasy peace with the Barbary pir-
ates controlling Rabati ports.
1662
Portugal gives Tangier to the British as a wedding present for Charles II. After a lengthy
siege, it is eventually returned to Moroccan control in 1684.
1672
The Alawite Moulay Ismail takes the throne. One of the greatest Moroccan sultans, he
rules for 55 years and the Alawite succession lasts to the present day.
18th century
The Alawites rebuild the ancient desert trading outpost of Sijilmassa, only to lose control
of it to Aït Atta Berber warriors, who raze the town. Only two not-so-triumphal arches re-
main.
1757-90
Sidi Mohammed III makes a strategic move to the coast, to rebuild Essaouira and regain
control over Atlantic ports. Inland imperial cities of Fez and Mek- nès slip into decline.
1767-1836
Cash-strapped Morocco makes extraordinary concessions to trading partners, granting
Denmark trade monopolies in Agadir and Sai, and France and the US license to trade in
Morocco for a nominal fee.