According to Varro, the symbols revealed on this occasion symbolized heaven and earth. In return for this revelation, which was kept secret, the initiate was given the assurance of certain privileges: Hope for a better life, and more particularly protection at sea, and possibly, as at Eleusius, the promise of a happy after life.

During the ceremony the initiate received a crimson sash knotted around the waist that was supposed to be a protective talisman. An iron ring exposed to the divine power of magnetic stones was probably another symbol of protection conferred during the initiation.

The preparation for the initiation took place in a small room south of the Anaktoron (site plan, number 16), a type of sacristy where the initiate was dressed in white and was given a lamp.

The myèsis then took place in the Anaktoron (literally the House of the Lords), a large hall capable of accommodating numerous already initiated faithful, who would attend the ceremony seated on benches along the walls.

The initiate carried out a ritual washing in a basin situated in the southeast corner and then made a libation to the gods in a circular pit.

At the end of the ceremony, the initiate took his place seated on a round wooden platform facing the principal door while ritual dances took place around him. He was then taken to the north chamber, the sanctuary where he received the revelation proper. Access to this sanctuary was forbidden to non-initiates.

The initiate was given a document attesting to his initiation in the mysteries and could, at least during the later period, pay to have his name engraved on a commemorative plaque.

The second degree of the initiation was called the épopteia (ἐποπτεία), literally, the "contemplation". Unlike the one year interval between degrees which was demanded at Eleusis, the second degree at Samothrace could be obtained immediately after the myèsis.

In spite of this, it was only realized by a small number of initiates, which leads us to believe that it involved some difficult conditions, though it is unlikely that these conditions were financial or social. Lehman assessed that it concerned moral issues, as the candidate was auditioned and required to confess his sins. This audition took place overnight in front of the Hiéron (site plan, number 13).

A foundation was recovered here which could have supported a giant torch; generally speaking, the discovery of numerous lamps and torch supports throughout this site confirms the nocturnal nature of the initiation rites.

The hiérophante - Samothrace temple complex

Samothrace temple complex - Index