Maroneia was founded by Chian colonists on the SW slopes of Ismaros, in the mid-7th century B.C. and soon developed into a prosperous and densely inhabited city-state. According to tradition, the mythical founder (oikistes) of the city was Maron, a priest of Apollo. Homer describes Maron's hospitality and the gifts that he offered to Ulysses when he visited the land of the Kikones. During the Classical period the city had a strong fortification wall, 10 km. long, enclosing an area of 4 sq.km., which extended from the coast up to the top of Ismaros.