Bargylia was founded by Bellerophon in honor of his close companion Bargylos, who was tragically killed by a kick from the winged horse Pegasus. According to legend, the temple of Artemis Kindyas featured an opening to the sky, yet neither rain nor snow ever fell through it. The ancient city was significant enough to mint its own imperial coins during this period.
Alexander the Great used Bargylia as a strategic base in the 2nd century BC. Few archaeological remains survive from the ancient period, and comprehensive excavations have not yet been undertaken. The theatre ruins can still be seen on the eastern side of the ancient city.
The surviving city walls and aqueduct remains date from the Roman period, while the lakeside road dates from the Macedonian era. The area is now known as Tuzla or Varvil, historically renowned for its salt beds.