Ancient and Early Historical Periods
The area where Alexandroupoli stands today was not a major organised city in antiquity, but formed part of a wider Thracian and coastal landscape with continuous human presence. From prehistoric times, the shores of the northern Aegean were inhabited by Thracian tribes who relied on the sea for fishing and exchange. Proximity to the mouth of the River Evros—one of south-eastern Europe’s most important waterways—made the area a strategic corridor and natural communications hub linking inland Thrace with the Aegean.
During the Archaic and Classical periods (7th–4th centuries BC), the coast lay within the sphere of influence of Samothrace. The island maintained a network of coastal stations and small harbours along the Thracian shore, facilitating the movement of timber, metals, grain and fish. Archaeological traces of small settlements and burial mounds in the wider area testify to long-term habitation and cultural interaction between Greeks and Thracians.
Hellenistic and Roman Periods
After the incorporation of Thrace into the Macedonian kingdom under Philip II and Alexander the Great (4th century BC), the region became part of a broader administrative and commercial system. In the Hellenistic era, the Thracian coast retained its importance for maritime transport, while nearby Samothrace continued to attract pilgrims through the renowned Mysteries of the Great Gods.
Under Roman rule (1st century BC–4th century AD), the area’s strategic value increased with the construction of the Via Egnatia, linking Dyrrhachium with Constantinople. Although the road did not pass directly through the site of modern Alexandroupoli, the coastal zone functioned as a complementary maritime corridor, supporting troop movements and trade. The region thus became integrated into the Roman world as part of a chain of ports and way-stations.
Byzantine Period
Throughout the Byzantine era (4th–15th centuries AD), Thrace served as a vital defensive hinterland of Constantinople. The shores of the Thracian Sea gained renewed military significance, operating as forward zones against seaborne and land incursions. The area of modern Alexandroupoli did not develop into a major urban centre, but hosted small settlements, agricultural holdings and modest harbours.
Historical sources describe repeated population movements, especially during the Middle Byzantine period, due to raids and invasions by Slavs, Bulgarians and later the Ottomans. Nevertheless, settlement continuity was never entirely broken, a fact reflected in archaeological remains and enduring place names.
Ottoman Period – Dedeağaç
The foundations of the modern city date to the Ottoman period. In the mid-19th century AD, a small fishing settlement known as Dedeağaç emerged. The name—variously attributed to a dervish or to a sacred tree—captures the humble, rural character of the early community.
A decisive transformation followed with the construction of the Constantinople–Thessaloniki railway in 1870. Dedeağaç rapidly evolved into a key port and transport hub, exporting grain and serving the commercial needs of the hinterland. Population growth was swift, and Greeks, Muslims, Armenians, Jews and Europeans formed a multi-ethnic, cosmopolitan society typical of late Ottoman port towns.
From the Balkan Wars to Integration into Greece
During the Balkan Wars (1912–1913), Dedeağaç changed hands several times, coming under Bulgarian and Allied control. After the First World War and the Treaty of Neuilly (1919), the area was placed under Inter-Allied administration. On 14 May 1920, Greek forces landed in the town, marking its incorporation into the Greek state.
Later in 1920, the town was renamed Alexandroupoli in honour of King Alexander I of Greece. The arrival of refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor after 1922 profoundly reshaped the city’s character. These new inhabitants brought skills, entrepreneurial spirit and cultural traditions, contributing decisively to urban growth and social cohesion.
Modern History and Contemporary Role
During the 20th century, Alexandroupoli developed into a major administrative, military and economic centre of Thrace. Its port, railway connections and later its airport strengthened its position as Greece’s gateway to the Balkans and the Black Sea region. The city endured hardship during the Second World War and the Occupation, but experienced steady recovery in the post-war decades.
Today, Alexandroupoli is a modern coastal city with an important university presence and an increasingly prominent energy and geopolitical role. At the same time, it preserves a strong sense of historical continuity, reflecting its long function as a meeting point of peoples, cultures and routes across north-eastern Greece.
Sightseeing
- Alexandroupoli Lighthouse – Built in 1880, the iconic landmark of the city and focal point of the seafront.
- Evros Delta – A protected wetland of international importance, renowned for its birdlife and distinctive landscapes.
- Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupoli – Traces the long history of Thrace from prehistory to Roman times.
- Traianoupoli – Just east of the city, noted for its Roman heritage and thermal baths.
- Seafront promenade and harbour – Ideal for walking, with clear views towards Samothrace.
Flavours
- Thracian meats and sausages – Robust, aromatic recipes rooted in local tradition.
- Fish and seafood of the Thracian Sea – Fresh, simply prepared, and central to local cuisine.
- Kavourmas – A preserved meat delicacy closely associated with refugee cooking traditions.
- Tray-baked and syrup desserts – Strong influences from Asia Minor and Eastern Thrace.
- Local wines and tsipouro – Perfect companions to the generous Thracian table.
