Samothrace (Samothrake) is a Greek island in the northern Aegean which was prominent from the Classical period as a member of the Delian League. Its greatest claim to fame was as a cult centre favoured by Macedon and visited by pilgrims from across the Aegean. Its name today is best known for the magnificent Hellenistic Nike sculpture, the Nike of Samothrace, excavated on the island in the 19th century CE, which is now on display in the Louvre, Paris.
More about: SamothraceDefinition
Timeline
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c. 700 BCESettlers from mainland Greece, possibly Samos, settle on Samothrace.
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480 BCEA ship from Samothrace participates in the Battle of Salamis on the Persian side.
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478 BCE - 404 BCESamothrace is a member of the Delian League.
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340 BCEMacedon funds the building of a large temple on Samothrace.
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c. 285 BCEThe Tholos of Arsione is built at Samothrace.
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c. 285 BCEPtolemy II Philadelphus builds a large propylon gate at Samothrace.
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c. 190 BCEThe Nike of Samothrace is dedicated on the island to commemorate a naval victory.
