 The name Rabat comes from ("ar-ribāṭ") meaning "the ribat", an Islamic base or fortification.This name is short for ("ribāṭu l-fatḥ") meaning "the ribat of conquest" or "stronghold of victory—"a title the city acquired in 1170, due to its military importance.Rabat has a relatively modern history compared to the nearby ancient city of Salé.