Kouass
Cotta? Not · Archaeological site of Kouass
Phoenicio-Punic to Roman (6th c. BCE–3rd c. CE)·Phoenician / Mauretanian / Roman·🇲🇦 Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco
About
About Kouass
Kouass (near Asilah) is a Phoenician–Mauretanian port and factory on Atlantic estuary, 6th c. BCE–3rd c. CE, with 5th-c. BCE Phoenician amphora kiln and later Mauretanian garum vats overlapping Punic tradition. Palatial Mauretanian residence with Doric courtyard documents late Hellenistic Gaetulian elite. Coin hoard of Bocchus. Shows Atlantic Phoenician chain from Lixus to Mogador.
Why it mattersPhoenician–Mauretanian continuity; earliest Atlantic amphora kiln.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Bocchus palace vs private villa
- 02Purple dye murex evidence
Theories
- 01Mauretanian emulation of Hellenistic basileia (Ponsich)
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Phoenician emporium 6th c. BCE; Mauretanian palace 2nd c. BCE
- Period
- Phoenicio-Punic to Roman (6th c. BCE–3rd c. CE)
- Culture
- Phoenician / Mauretanian / Roman
- Builders
- Gadir Phoenicians / Mauretanian kings (Bocchus)
- Purpose
- Atlantic fish and purple-dye port; amphora kiln centre
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
6th c. BCE
Phoenician emporium
2nd c. BCE
Mauretanian palace built
40 BCE
Bocchus coin hoard
1960s
Ponsich excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
35.1850° N · 6.0360° W · 35 m · 2 mapped features
Phoenician Kiln of Kouass
kiln5th-c. BCE amphora kiln 4 m
35.1860° N · 6.0350° WMauretanian Palace
palaceDoric courtyard palace
35.1840° N · 6.0370° W
Gallery