The foundation of the city is lost among legends and traditions. In the Minoan times it existed as a settlement or as a small town and its dwellers where among the first people that were involved in the transit trade between Crete and Egypt.

Many records indicate that in the historic times, up to the 4th century BC the city was developing. From this century on, the Doric city of Ierapetra began to emerge as a great military and commercial power in the area of East Crete.

Ierapetra was located on the crossing of two cultures, that of the Minoans and that of the Achaeans. It obtained this priviledged posititon not only due to its military and commercial power, but also due to its far-sighted politic. Under the Romans Ierapitna maintained its pronounced presence in the area of East Crete.

During the first Byzantine period the city flourishes. However, it is possible that it remained the seat of the bishop due to historic reasons.

During the period of the Arabic conquest, because of its location Ierapitna must have been one of the first cities that were taken over by the Saracens in 824. It is possible that the Saracens rounded off the devastating work of the terrible earthquake of 795, which hit the whole island of Crete harshly.

After the conquest of the island by the Venetians, Ierapitna got its current name: IERAPETRA.

In the 1647 Ierapetra was conquered by the Turks, who had started raiding Crete at least a century ago and hit mostly its coastline cities and villages.

Ierapetra had been also sorely tried.