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Morocco's history from the 8th century followed various dynasties, beginning with the Idriss Dynasty which provided two great sovereigns, now the most worshipped Saints of Morocco. These were followed by: the Almoravides (who founded Marrakech and were the first to unite all Moroccan territories under one ruler); the Almohades (their achievements were amongst the greatest of all dynasties and include the building of Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech); the Merinides (builders of the new city of Fez); the Saadians (they fought for a unified Morocco but at the same time established diplomatic relations with a number of European countries); the Alaouites (who still reign in Morocco today and include among their rulers Moulay Ismail, one of the greatest and most famous of the Moroccan Sultans). Essasouria:
Originally a Phoenician settlement called Mogador, the town was occupied by the Portuguese in the 15th century and visited by Sir Francis Drake in Christmas 1577. The present shape and character of the town was achieved by Sultan Sidi Mohammed bin Abdallah in 1765. With the help of the French architect Theodore Cornut the medina and city walls were rebuilt. | 
