Samothraki

Samothraki

Greece
North Aegean Sea
Island of Samothraki


Maybe the site where Alexander the Great was burried still remains unknown, hidden in the mysterious depths of mythology, but, at least, we can say that we are better informed about the place he...was conceived! His father Philip, also a great conqueror and king of the North Greece region of Macedonia, met his mother Olympias in one of his relaxing brakes in the island of Samothraki where she was famous priestess at the Holy Temple of the Kabyrian mysteries. Samothraki is an island in the north Aegean Sea and since the very ancient times famous as the Holy site of the Kabyrean mysteries. The place was equally famous to Delphi and other Greek holy sites and its temple was frequented by many priestesses one of them Olympias. King Philip was immediately infatuated by the beautiful and clever woman and eventually took her back to Macedonia and got married to her. Few months later queen Olympias gave birth to Alexander, in 356 BC.
In this island,the famous statue of Niki (Victory) was discovered and transferred by the French to the museum of Louvres where it decorates,since 1864, one of its main Halls. Many mysteries cover its archaeological discovery, purchase and subsequent smuggling from the Ottoman authorities as it happens with almost all the famous greek marbles being nowadays abroad.

The island of Samothraki is, somewhat, underated by the tourist agencies but visitors remain enthusiastic with its beautiful shores, the very interesting inland and the gorgious tavernas with fresh fish and roast goat. It's one of the cheapest greek islands to visit. Nice the sailing by boat along the many peaceful and isolated shores.
The photo shows ruins from the ancient Kabyrian temple.