Idrisid dynasty
The city was first founded in 789 as "Madinat Fas" on the southeast bank of the Jawhar River (now known as the Fez River) by Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty. His son, Idris II, built a settlement called "Al-'Aliya" on the opposing river bank in 809 and moved his capital here from Walili (Volubilis). These settlements ("Madinat Fas" and "Al-'Aliya") would soon develop into two walled and largely autonomous sites, often in conflict with one another. The early population was composed mostly of Berbers, along with hundreds of Arab warriors from Kairouan who made up Idris II's entourage.