Essaouira -Morocco



The Mogador Bay is almost closed by the large Island of Mogador, making it a relatively peaceful harbour protected against the strong winds of the area. The site has long been considered as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast. The rich fishing waters and the access of fresh water was valuable assets. The supply of woodand stones facilitated the building of fortifications.Mogador was a perfect base for further explorations south at the African coast and west at the Atlantic.
In the 6th century BC, the Phoenicians founded a settlement at the island and they named it Migdal ,Migdol ("watchtower"). They also established an production facility for indigo die (Royal blue) on the Island (Iles Purpuraires). The sea snail harvested for this production was Hexaplex trunculus also known as Murex trunculus. Murex brandaris and Purpura hemastoma was other purple shells.