Sailing to Samothrace and the Sanctuary of the Great Gods

presented by Dr Heather Sebo

For nearly a thousand years from about 600 BCE onwards, travellers and pilgrims came from all over the Mediterranean world to the remote, windswept island of Samothrace to be initiated into the mystery cult of the Great gods. In the sanctuary deep under Mt. Fengari, to the sound of rushing water, by the light of flaring torches and moonlight, initiates experienced a “shivering awe” of the gods. The ceremonies were conducted in an unknown non-Greek ancient language and continued until dawn. Over time, the sanctuary attracted the patronage of the Macedonian Kings who embellished it with some of the most splendid and extravagant buildings of the Hellenistic world. This talk will explore what is known about the rituals on Samothrace and the promises that drew pilgrims to participate. It will also situate these rituals in the wider mythic and religious culture of Ancient Macedonia.

Dr Sebo first joined ASA as a tour lecturer in 2016, and has led several successful tours. Please visit her page to see more.