Fez, Morocco is a city with an ancient and diverse history. It was founded in 789 as Madinat Fas on the banks of the Jawhar River by Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty. The two settlements of Fez were united in 1070, and the city soon gained a reputation for religious scholarship and mercantile activity. During the Marinid era (13th-15th centuries), Fez reestablished its status as a political capital and numerous new mosques and madrasas were constructed. It became known for its Moorish and Moroccan architectural styles, universities, and cultural venues. Today, the old medina quarters still exist, including Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, while the much larger modern Ville Nouvelle area hosts many attractions such as the Royal Palace, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque/University, and the historic Chouara Tannery. With its vibrant cultural presence, Fez truly lives up to its title as the "Mecca of the West" and the "Athens of Africa".