Location information

MARONIA (Ancient city) RODOPI
  The remains of ancient Maroneia lie at the southeast of Komotini, on a plain well protected from the north winds by Ismaros mountain. The area has already been inhabited since the neolithic age (3rd mil-lenium BC). To this period and more precisely to the 2nd millenium BC belong at least seven settlements. The archaeological data speak for the domination of this area by Thracian tribes - they also managed to reach Troy - during these years. Homer provides the first information on Maroneia and also mentions the town as birthplace of the priest Maron, who lived in the sacred grove of Apollo in the town Ismaros. In the 7th century BC a wide colonization of the coastal Thrace took place. The location of the first settlement of emigrants from Chios island remains as yet unknown. However, according to Professor Bakalaki's opinion this colony must be identified with the acropolis on the top of Ismaros mountain, east of Maroneia.
  Besides the elegant coins of the 6th century BC we have no other information or document concerning the life of Maroneia in antiquity. During the Persian Wars Maroneia shared the fate of the other Thracian towns and was occupied by the invaders. After the defeat of the Persians the town became a member of the Athenian Alliance. The 4th century BC was the period of flourishing and prosperity for Maroneia.
  The archaeological excavations that started in 1969 in Maroneia and continue until today brought to light important finds, significant for the town's history. Of equal importance are also the remnants of the Byzantine era in the area that prove beyond doubt that Thrace has always been a most valuable cultural spring.
Text : Maroneia M. Sarla - Pendazou and V. Pendazos

Municipality of Maronia WebPage
• http://www.maronia.gr

NYMFEA (Village) KOMOTINI

• http://www.army.gr/n/g/publications/articles/Oxyro...