It is one of the five cities (pentapolis) founded by Greek immigrants in al-Gebal EL akhdar area in 620 B.C.
This coastal city, near Elsberidis, was an important poort for exporting the abundant crops of the region in the Hellenic period, such as grains and silvium. The Pentapoli, like other towns, fell under the Petalmic influence, when Petalmius III married the daughter of Magas in the first quarter if the 6th century B.C. the Pentapolis fell under the Romans in 96 B.C.
In spite of its slow progress during the Roman rule, the city witnessed its peak growth during Swanari Dynasly (193 - 235), the city was not saved from invasions from neighbouring tribes.
During the Bezantine period, the Pentapolis was subject to tribal attacks from the East, South and West.
Finally, it was conquered by Amro Ibn Al-Aas, who seized its strong towers and forts, and expelled the Bezantines.
Archeologically, ruined city walls are still surrounding the area, in the from of a square of 60 meters sides.
There are still existing four 2 meter thick towers fortifications of the 31 original towers. The wall used to have three main gates, enclosing the ruins of many constructions and buildings, from different ages, distributed along the two main crossing roads; the most important of which were Areana, bathrooms and Bezentine church.
The Archeological area houses a small museum showing important findings, such as status, mosaic, and bottery.
Tokra must be seen as an example of the more modest city, not built on wealth. Therefore Tokra is a better representative for understanding how the majority of ancient urban dwellers lived. Unfortunately, large parts are still unexcavated, and I think that will remain the situation for still long time.
The old village centre is worth the visit, it is charming, and comes very much alive during market day.

Going next
35 km northeast: Tulmaytha
75 km southwest: Benghazi