Archaeological finds of the 2nd century AD confirm the existence of a settlement as well, and from an inscription on the preserved and distinct in various parts of the city, old wall of the 4th century AD. which reads "Theodosius building" (379-395). It is also assumed that the settlement of Komotini dates back to the 5th century BC. and is associated with the eponymous daughter of the Maronite painter Parrasios. In the Roman era, Komotini was one of the many fortresses along the Egnatia road.
During the Byzantine period, Komotini belonged to the Theme of Macedonia, while from the 9th century it came under the newly founded Theme of Volero. Until then, it was an insignificant fortress, which in 1207, after the invasion of the Tsar of Bulgaria Ivan I, became a refuge for refugees from the surrounding fortresses that were destroyed. In 1331 John VI Kantakouzinos mentions it as Koumoutzina polisma, while in 1341 the historian Nikiforos Grigoras mentions it with its current name, as Komotini. In 1343, during the civil war between John VI Kantakouzenos and John V Palaiologos, Komotini, together with the neighboring fortresses of Asomatos, Paradimi, Kranovouni and Stylario, joined the Kantakouzenos faction. John VI fled to Komotini
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis