The Moroccan monarchy can be traced back to the 700s through a series of dynasties. The current dynasty, the Alaouite, were local rulers until 1664 when the first Sultan of Morocco was proclaimed. The Alaouites claim descent from the Prophet Mohammed (as do the Hashemites) so whereas the family line may be ancient, they were not a Ruling Family and did not begin to amass power until the early 1600s.