According to Arab historians, the origin of Meknes dates back to the Roman Period. It is thought that Meknes might be a forward post for the Roman city, Volubilis. Etched in every corner of Meknes are unique arts and crafts, lively markets, incorporated neighborhoods, intricate gardens, enormous gates, colossal walls, and great monuments that are an attestation to the History of Meknes. In 1996 Meknes was classified as a World heritage site for the edification and pleasure of humanity.

Meknes is the Versailles of Morocco, unfortunately the majestic design of the Royal Palace for the sultan Moulay Ismail was left unfinished. Today the city is the center of trading and producing citrus, cereal crops, wine and olives.

The ancient city is not as well maintained as the others found in Morocco, but the royal palace encompasses most of it. A tyrant in many words, the Sultan Moulay Ismail who ruled for 55 years during the 1700 commissioned the building of a massive royal palace. Despite his apparent penchant for huge undertakings in terms of building, Ismail never achieved his desire of making Meknes an Imperial city to beckon awe and inspiration. Meknes has always had this sense of emptiness that not even the recently constructed French city can overcome.