Mysterious Burial Sites in Moroccan Desert Reveal Traces of Pre-Islamic Civilizations

Mysterious Burial Sites in Moroccan Desert Reveal Traces of Pre-Islamic Civilizations
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Ancient burial sites scattered across Morocco’s desert continue to attract the attention of archaeologists and historians, offering evidence of civilizations that inhabited the region before Islam and whose remains have survived centuries of environmental changes and natural challenges.

Along the banks of the Chbika Valley, stretching for nearly 20 kilometres, researchers have documented unique stone burial structures shaped like large crescents formed from carefully arranged rounded stones. Some of these formations extend up to 100 metres and are especially visible from the air, suggesting that their design may have carried symbolic or funerary significance.

The sites include both collective and individual graves containing remains of communities that lived in the region during the Stone Age and later periods. Archaeologists refer to them as “pre-Islamic burial sites” due to their distinctive funerary patterns, which differ from traditional Islamic burial practices.

Other areas, including Aglas near the Boulariah Valley southwest of Awsard, contain circular graves topped with vertical limestone slabs. Some structures feature pyramid-like designs made from layered stone panels that rise to nearly three metres in height.

The region also contains numerous stone pillars and funerary monuments that reflect ancient settlement patterns and burial traditions. However, many of these structures have suffered damage from erosion, climate changes and the passage of time.

Heritage and archaeology experts say these sites represent an important historical record for understanding the lifestyles, beliefs and burial customs of ancient North African societies, stressing the need for their protection and further scientific study to uncover more about the civilizations that once inhabited the Moroccan desert.