This ancient Tolmeita first came into existence , in the 6th century B. C., as the harbor of brace-"El-Marj", but its foundation as a city was due to one of the Hellenistic king of Egypt, who gave it this name, and laid out streets and public buildings. This king was probably Ptolemy III Euergetes who married Berenice, the daughter of king Ptolemy II, king Magas independent ruler of Cyrenaica and half-brother of Egypt. Berenice after whom the second Benghazi was named.


The conspicuous and tower-like Hellenistic Mausoleum "that stands in the ancient quarries west of the city may mark the burial place of Ptolemaic rulers of Cyrenaica. The Greek theater-cut into the hillside behind the city-may be the same period. It is also probable that the well-preserved gateway, the "Porta Tauchira", in the western part of the city wall is , however, reported that the city flourished under the roman s, although it did not become the capital of Cyrenaica until the age of Emperor Diocletian. Luxurious private houses, such as the "Villa of the Four seasons" and the "Palace of the columns" were constructed, with mosaic floors of the fine quality. Provision was made for water storage (always a sever problem at pto ) by the construction of an enormous complex of covered cistern under the public square which is usually call the forum. Tow new Theaters were constructed by the Romans, and also an Amphitheater which was situated within one of the old stone quarries.

During the roman period, Ptolemais was a more important city than Barce. "Barka" which declined into a small village. When, in A.C. 279 the Emperor Diocletion created new province of ' Libya Pentapolis", Ptolemais (Tolmeita), become the capital and took the position formerly occupied by Cyrene. Under Constantine reign an Arch-Way was constructed on the main street of the city and dedicated to the Emperor Constantine by the cities of the Pentapolis-i.e. Apolonia, Cyrene, Ptolemais, Tauchira (Tokara and Berenice).

From historic records Ptolemais (Tolmeita) which comes after Cyrene, is and actual fact of an important archaeological featare in the region.