evidence: The two main ones are Ceuta and Melilla, which are coastal territories connected to Morocco. Spain’s other African lands are military outposts or uninhabited islands. These Spanish territories are a thorn in Morocco’s side. [...] "Because it’s not the same thing," the Spaniard explained. "The British took Gibraltar around the same time that Spain established its African colonies. But Spain had those lands next to Morocco for over 500 years! We acquired Melilla and Ceuta after we pushed the Muslim invaders out of Spain and back to Africa. We established those lands long ago. They’re as old as Spain itself." His statement had errors. It’s true that Spain established Melilla (1497) and Ceuta (1580) before the current Alaouite dynasty (which began in 1666). However, Morocco traces back its political and cultural heritage to the 8th century Idrisid dynasty.