The first community in Balikesir began its life in 8000 BC. In the region of, Paleolithic, Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, small communities live in Balıkesir.
The former name of Balıkesir region is Misya. In 3000 BC Pelasg and Leleg communities began to live in Balikesir. In 1200 BC, the Misya's people conquered the whole of Balıkesir.
In 1120 BC Balikesir was conquered by the Hittites. However, after this date, regular attacks were made by Balikesir by other states and Balikesir constantly changed hands in the hands of the states. Later, Balikesir was conquered by Lydians, Ahaminish empire and Alexander the Great respectively. The reason why Balikesir was so important at that time is that people living in Balikesir are very good warriors. The people of Balikesir became famous as mercenaries. In fact, there was even a Misya cavalries in Egypt army.
Balıkesir was conquered by the Roman empire in 133 BC. But the Roman Empire put great pressure on the Mysia region. Because of this, there have often been revolts in Balikesir against the Roman empire. Due to the division of the Roman Empire in 395, Balıkesir began to be ruled by the Byzantine empire.
Until 1361 Balıkesir changed hands many times. Especially Turks have conquered parts of Balikesir many times. But Byzantium most of the time has taken back these territories. In 1296, it was conquered by Balıkesir, Karesi. And after the disintegration of the Karesi in 1361, Balikesir began to be controlled by the Ottoman Empire. And Balikesir, after the investments has been an important city of the Ottoman empire and the Republic of Turkey.