Loukkos River
Encyclopedia
The Loukkos River is a major river in northern Morocco
. Although it is relatively short (about 100 km), the river is the third largest in Morocco with an average flow of 50 m3/s. The Loukkos river takes source in the Rif Mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean
in the city of Larache
, the city's port is inside the river. The Loukkos river basin is 3,730 km^2 and contains one of the most fertile and productive agricultural lands in the country. One of the river's tributaries, Oued Makhazine, bears a great historical importance since it witnessed one of the most decisive battles in the history of Morocco: the Battle of Alcácer Quibir
. In the battle on the 4th of August, 1578, the Portuguese Crusader army under Sebastian of Portugal
was crushed by the Moroccan army under the Saadi dynasty
.
. The site lies within the urban perimeter of Larache, and about three kilometres inland from the mouth of the river and the Atlantic ocean. From its 80 metres above the plain the site dominates the marshes through which the river flows.
Lixus was established as a Phoenician colony, subsequent to Phoenician navigators traversing the Alboran Sea to reach the Atlantic Ocean. Among the ruins at Lixus there are baths, temples, 4th century AD walls, a mosaic floor, and the intricate remains of the Capitol Hill.
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
. Although it is relatively short (about 100 km), the river is the third largest in Morocco with an average flow of 50 m3/s. The Loukkos river takes source in the Rif Mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
in the city of Larache
Larache
Larache is an important harbour town in the region Tanger-Tétouan in northern Morocco. It was founded in the 7th century when a group of Muslim soldiers from Arabia extended their camp at Lixus onto the south bank of the Loukkos River.In 1471, the Portuguese settlers from Asilah and Tangier drove...
, the city's port is inside the river. The Loukkos river basin is 3,730 km^2 and contains one of the most fertile and productive agricultural lands in the country. One of the river's tributaries, Oued Makhazine, bears a great historical importance since it witnessed one of the most decisive battles in the history of Morocco: the Battle of Alcácer Quibir
Battle of Alcácer Quibir
The Battle of Ksar El Kebir, also known as Battle of Three Kings, or "Battle of Oued El Makhazeen" in Morocco, and Battle of Alcácer Quibir in Portugal , was fought in northern Morocco, near the town of Ksar-el-Kebir and Larache, on 4 August 1578...
. In the battle on the 4th of August, 1578, the Portuguese Crusader army under Sebastian of Portugal
Sebastian of Portugal
Sebastian "the Desired" was the 16th king of Portugal and the Algarves. He was the son of Prince John of Portugal and his wife, Joan of Spain...
was crushed by the Moroccan army under the Saadi dynasty
Saadi Dynasty
The Saadi dynasty of Morocco , began with the reign of Sultan Mohammed ash-Sheikh in 1554, when he vanquished the last Wattasids at the Battle of Tadla....
.
Ancient history
Ancient Lixus is located on Tchemmich Hill on the right bank of the Loukkos River (other names: Oued Loukous; Locus River), just to the north of the modern seaport of LaracheLarache
Larache is an important harbour town in the region Tanger-Tétouan in northern Morocco. It was founded in the 7th century when a group of Muslim soldiers from Arabia extended their camp at Lixus onto the south bank of the Loukkos River.In 1471, the Portuguese settlers from Asilah and Tangier drove...
. The site lies within the urban perimeter of Larache, and about three kilometres inland from the mouth of the river and the Atlantic ocean. From its 80 metres above the plain the site dominates the marshes through which the river flows.
Lixus was established as a Phoenician colony, subsequent to Phoenician navigators traversing the Alboran Sea to reach the Atlantic Ocean. Among the ruins at Lixus there are baths, temples, 4th century AD walls, a mosaic floor, and the intricate remains of the Capitol Hill.