In A.D. 46, Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals overran this portion of the declining empire in the 5th century. The Arabs invaded circa 685, bringing Islam. The Berbers joined them in invading Spain in 711, but then revolted against the Arabs, resenting their secondary status.

By the 15th century Spain and Portugal began making incursions that were often successful and in time European imperialism took hold.

By the middle of the 19th century Morocco's strategic importance had become evident and European powers engaged in a protracted struggle for possession of the country. Finally, in 1911, France was formally acknowledged as protector of the greater part of the country, with Spain receiving a number of isolated locales.

But Morocco rallied and the French rule came to an end in 1953, although its cultural influence on Morocco remains strongly in evidence. Today the country is ruled by King Mohammed VI. He is apparently leading Morocco toward both long-term stability and a greater degree of economic prosperity.