Founded by the Phoenicians on the river Loukous, Lixus is one of the earliest cities in the West Mediterranean. The site was occupied from the 8th century BC to the 14th century AD by Phoenician, Punic, Mauritanian, pre-Roman, Roman and Islamic civilizations. Excavations of the archaeological city have revealed a religious neighbourhood composed of numerous temples, a Roman and post-Roman residential area and an industrial complex of salting plants. Spread over 14 ha, the city was first a crossroads for trade between the Phoenicians and the local population, the Moors, before becoming prosperous and active in trade with the Carthaginians and Greeks during the Mauretanian period. The most iconic monument of the city remains the Roman amphitheater that was home to theatrical performances and gladiator and beast fights in Roman times.