[2] It lies in an upland valley separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a range of hills, part of the Jebel Akhdar Mountains, and is generally believed to be the site of the ancient city of Barca.

[3] According to most archeologists, Marj marks the site of the ancient city of Barca, which, however, according to Alexander Graham, was at Tolmeita (Ptolemais).

During the colonial dominance of Libya (1913–41), the town was called Barce and was developed as an administrative and market centre and hill resort.

During the North African campaign of World War II, the 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery won a battle for the region of Barce on 5 February 1941.

During the Italian colonization of Libya, Al Marj had been the eastern terminal of Bengasi-Barce Railroad [it].