Mithymna, which occupies a small peninsula on the north coast of the island, was probably founded after the arrival of the Aeolians. As evidenced by the recent excavations, the city of Mithymna flourished during the archaic period, when it occupied the largest area, which is almost identical to the modern traditional settlement. From the 4th century BC, the city is limited to the acropolis and Dapia, where a section of the defensive wall of the Hellenistic era is preserved at a great height, which was incorporated into the present Medieval Castle.
Also, remains of the pier of the ancient port are preserved, which are visible at the location of the modern port, as well as parts of the aqueduct of the Roman era that carried water from Lepetymnos to Mithymna.
Important information about ancient Mithymna comes from salvage excavations At the Dapia site, the city’s archaic cemetery and building remains of the Hellenistic city were located, while the Hellenistic and Roman necropolis was uncovered along the road that leads from Mithymna to Petra.
Finally, to the east of the current port, on Kepetzi Street, a bath complex from the Hellenistic and Roman eras (3rd century BC ? 3rd century AD) was discovered, with rectangular cold and warm bath areas, which they are connected by corridors and have a single system of water supply and drainage pipes.
Mithymna today is one of the most important preserved settlements of the Aegean.