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Sanctuary of the Great Gods
Located about 6 km northeast of Kamariotissa, the Sanctuary of the Great Gods (also known as “Kabiroi” according to literally sources from antiquity) is one of Greece’s most mysterious and impressive ancient sites. A really special place nestled in a deep ravine in the mountain’s shadow with the beautiful blue Greek sea in the background. No wonder the Winged Nike of Samotrhace which is currently in the Louvre Museum in Paris was found there at the highest point of the complex overseeing the ritual buildings. This site did not involve the Olympian Greek Gods but was dedicated to mystery gods. The identity and nature of the deities venerated at the sanctuary remains largely enigmatic. Within the sanctuary’s sacred space great events took place that shaped the ancient world. Alexander’s the Great parents first met here, and the last Macedonian king held out against the Romans.
The archaeological site covers an area of 12 acres. The ruins have been extensively excavated and there is lot to see. It was first systematically excavated in 1873 and 1875 by two Austrian expeditions directed by A. Conze. Since 1938, excavations have been conducting by the Institute of Fine arts of the New York University, under the supervision of the Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities. The most important structures include the Hall of Choral Dancers (340 BC), the Altar Court (340-330 BC), the Hieron (325-150 BC), the Dedication of Phillip III and Alexandr IV (323-317 BC), and the Rotunda of Arsinoe II (2880270 BC). On the west is the Stoa (first half of the 3rd c. BC), the Neorion (second quarter of the 3rd c. BC), and the Milesian Dedication (2nd half of the 3rd c. BC), and on the eastern part the Propylon of Ptolemy (285-281 BC).
The most famous mysteries in antiquity were those of Eleusis and Samothraki, which promised safeguard sailors from the perils of the sea, and also had purification and fertility rituals. The sanctuary was open to all who wished to worship the Great Gods, although access to buildings consecrated to the mysteries was understood to be reserved for initiates. The sanctuary experienced its golden age during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC and was finally abandoned at the end of the 4th century AD. The earliest indications of religious activity date back to the 7th century BC, but the construction of monumental buildings did not begin before the 4th century BC.
Do not miss the chance to visit the Archaeological Museum at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods which provides a helpful overview of the entire site. The sanctuary of the Great Gods will give you a glimpse into this ancient form of religion in Greece as well as an idea of where the original Nike of Samothrace once stood. If you are into history, this place is definitely for you. Take your time visiting, embrace it all and give yourself at least one hour to truly appreciate this fabulous experience. The path is well-marked, the explanatory signs are very informative and they make it easy to visualize the important buildings.
