The area around Casablanca was originally settled in the 7th century by the Berbers and was part of an Islamic empire that stretched from Spain to West Africa. A small and independent kingdom known as Anfa was allowed to develop and it was eventually conquered by the Almoravids in 1068. The port of Anfa was established and gained importance under the rule of the Merinids during the 14th century. The town became an independent state during the early 15th century and was targeted by the Portuguese, who eventually destroyed the town in 1468. In 1860, the population of the town numbered around 5,000 residents, but this increased when the town became a major supplier of wool to Britain's textile industry. The port was further developed as shipping increased and the population rose to about 12,000 by the end of the century. The French arrived at the beginning of the 20th century and were originally administrators within a sovereign sultanate. This changed in 1907 when they attempted to build a light railway through a graveyard and were attacked by the local residents. French troops were brought in and took control of the city and the period of colonialisation began. | 
