The town ( as the name indicates ), was founded during the Ptolemaic age in the 3rd century B.C where the port of Barce was situated. The findings of 7th and 6th century B.C ceramics shows that the town was inhabited during the Arcadian era. Its Hellenistic origins are also clearly visible from its town - plan, long narrow streets with right-angled crossroads. The theatre, the school and the magnificent mausoleum all date back to this period. The restauration of the walls which enclose the town was done by the Romans during the 3rd century A.D.