References to Xanthi, or Xanthia, date back to 879 BC, under this name. In the beginning it was a small village, having experienced all the tumultuous eras of the Thracian history. Raidings, disasters, race conflicts, civil wars. The Ottomans arrived at the region when its populace had dwindled down to almost nothing and everything had been destroyed. They brought settlers from the depths of Asia Minor, which is how Genisea was created, while Oreo and Xanthi are Greek and Christian centres.

By 1715 Xanthi became renowned for its tobacco, and so did Genisea. Many foreign sightseers travelled throughout the region and described the life and struggles of the locals. Tobacco commerce throughout Europe led Xanthi into a course of prosperity. Two earthquakes which literally levelled the city, in March and April of 1829, played a decisive role in the further developments. The city’s re-building immediately got underway. In 1870 the city of Genisea was burned down and all of the agencies were transferred to Xanthi which, at that time, had a population of ten thousand. In 1891, the railroad line was grounded near the city. The economic development led to the founding of schools and associations.

In 1912, the city was seized by the Bulgarians, only to be freed eight months later by the Greek army. Shortly thereafter, the city was once again captured by the Bulgarians in whose hands it remained until the end of World War II. After lengthy diplomatic manoeuvres and struggles, western Thrace became a permanent part of Greece in 1919-1920.