Heraclea in Thrace was an ancient city located in the region of Thrace, near the modern-day border of Greece and Turkey. Founded in the 4th century BCE, it was named after the hero Heracles and served as a significant trade and military hub due to its strategic position along important routes. The city was known for its impressive fortifications and temples, including those dedicated to Zeus and Hercules. Over the centuries, Heraclea experienced various cultural influences, particularly from the Greeks and Romans, contributing to its rich historical legacy before its decline in the late antiquity.