Greek emporion of Anchialus (5th–1st century BC)
The area was inhabited by Thracians as early as the Bronze Age, and in the 5th–4th century BC a Greek emporion (trading post) of Apollonia Pontica (today's Sozopol) was founded on the peninsula, which itself had been established by Milesian settlers around 610 BC. The name Anchialus (Αγχίαλος) is most often derived from αγχί ("near") and άλς ("salt" or "sea") — that is, "by the salt/sea". The earliest traces of salt production by solar evaporation date from this era, a practice that has continued in the area almost without interruption to this day.
Roman Anchialos (1st c. BC – 4th c.)
Under Roman rule Anchialos became an important port and a resort for the Roman aristocracy thanks to its mineral springs. It minted its own coins; a forum, temples and large baths were built. Apostle Andrew visited in the 1st century, bringing Christianity to the town.
Byzantium & mediaeval Bulgaria (5th–14th c.)
Anchialos was an important bishopric of the Byzantine Empire. In 708 Khan Tervel defeated Emperor Justinian II at the Battle of Anchialus. The town changed hands many times between Byzantium and the Second Bulgarian Empire. Remains of early Byzantine basilicas and fortress walls survive.
Ottoman era and National Revival (1453–1878)
Under Ottoman rule Anchialus remained a significant Christian and predominantly Greek centre. The town was liberated on 27 January 1878, but in July 1906 a large part of it was burnt down during anti-Greek riots, and thousands of local Greeks emigrated, founding Nea Anchialos in Thessaly. The Monastery of St George (1856) — one of the few continuously active on the Black Sea coast — dates from this period.
Modern Pomorie (1878 — today)
After the Liberation of 1878, Anchialus lay within Eastern Rumelia, and in 1885 it became part of the Principality of Bulgaria. In 1934 the town was renamed Pomorie. The country's first mud-therapy facility opened here as early as 1902, thanks to research by Dr Petar Stoyanov on liman mud; throughout the 20th century the town established itself as a leading balneological resort.