Sanctuary of the Great Gods, Samothrace

The Sanctuary of the Great Gods in Samothrace, where the famous statue of the Winged Victory (Nike) was discovered in 1863, is one of the ancient Greek world’s most significant worship sites, primarily known for the Kabeirian Mysteries. Within the area of the Stoa, located at the northern part of the sanctuary, visitors would gather to prepare for sacramental ceremonies. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, the Stoa had an elongated shape with a colonnade at the front, offering shade and shelter from the elements. Its presence indicates the significant activity that took place at the site, as well as the sanctuary’s organized nature. There, believers could socialize, wait for their turn to be initiated, or participate in various ritualistic events. The archaeological findings in the broader area of the Stoa greatly enhance our understanding of the function and significance of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods.