Morocco has at various stages during its development held dominion over territories extending from Senegal to France, at one time holding sway over equally impressive empires on both sides of the Mediterranean. It played a crucial role in the evolution of Europe’s Renaissance and, via its Andalusian satellite, Cordoba, infusions of Arabian learning were passed into European culture. Its dynasties moved their capital according to personal inclination or movement of trade routes, encompassing in turn Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat.