Maroneia was founded by settlers from Chios in the mid-7th century BC and developed into an important city-state. Tradition associates its foundation with Maron, the priest of Apollo, while its extensive fortification enclosed the area from the coast to the summit of Mount Ismaros. During the 4th century BC, Maroneia became one of the most important commercial centres of Thrace. It subsequently came under the control of Macedonia, Lysimachus, the Seleucids and the Ptolemies, before later forming an alliance with Rome. Its inscriptions and coinage bear witness to the city's prosperity and to the fame of the renowned Ismarian wine. Among the most important monuments of ancient Maroneia is the Ancient Theatre, which was built during the Hellenistic period and remodelled in Roman times. Equally significant is the Sanctuary of Dionysus, where archaeological excavations uncovered the remains of a sanctuary, probably dedicated to the god Dionysus, together with public building complexes, Hellenistic houses, a monumental Roman propylon, a large Late Roman building and sections of the city walls, including the Acropolis of Agios Athanasios. Another remarkable discovery is the House with the Mosaic, a large Hellenistic residence dating from the late 4th to the early 3rd century BC, distinguished by the impressive mosaic floor decorating its andron (men's banquet hall). Finally, the Roman Propylon, a monumental gateway dating to the reign of Emperor Hadrian (AD 124–125), is one of the most significant Roman monuments of ancient Maroneia.

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