Volubilis, located in a fertile agricultural area, was founded in the 3rd century BC and became the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana around 40 AD. At the end of the 3rd century the capital was moved to Tingis (Tangier). The city was inhabited until the foundation of Fez at the end of the 8th century. The remaining stone and marble was used for buildings in Meknes, and the city was finally abandoned in the 18th century.