The most important building of the cult, the épopteion, is located to the South of the Temenos.

This building bears the inscription of Hiéron (site plan number 13). It is not known who dedicated this building, but given the magnificence was likely a royal. It is some type of temple, but there is no periptery (surround of columns) and only a single prostyle. (partly restored - see photo above).

The architectural ornamentation of the facade is noteworthy for its elegance. The interior boasts the largest unsupported span in the ancient Greek world - 11 metres. The South end of this building is an apse (fr: abside inscrite), which constitutes the most sacred portion. This apse may represent, according to R. Ginouvès a grotto for conducting chthonic rituals. The main altar, and the building for displaying votive offerings, are located to the West of the Hiéron (site plan numbers 11 & 12).

The Anaktoron, the building for greeting the myèsis is located North of the Arsinoé Rotunda, though the version currently visible dates to the imperial era.

The third and final terrace, West of the spiritual centre of the sanctuary, is primarily occupied by votive buildings such as the Miletean Building, so named as it was dedicated by a citizen of Miletus (sie plan number 5), and the Néôrion, or naval monument (site plan number 6).

The banquet hall is also here (site plan number 7). Three other small Hellenistic treasures are not well known (site plan, numbers 1 to 3). Overlooking the central terrace, the space is above all dominated by a very large portico (104 m long; site plan number 8) which acts as a monumental backdrop to the sancutary, above the theatre.

It is in this area of the site that the most recent traces of occupation can be found: a square Byzantine fort in effect built of treasure; as it re-used building material from the original site.

« And we are told that Philip, after being initiated into the mysteries of Samothrace at the same time with Olympias, he himself being still a youth and she an orphan child, fell in love with her and betrothed himself to her at once with the consent of her brother, Arymbas. »
(Plutarch, Life of Alexander, II, 2)

According to Plutarch, this is how Macedonian king Phillip II met his future spouse Olympias, the Epirote princess of the Aeacid dynasty, during their initiation to the mysteries of Samothrace.

This historical anecdote defines the Argead dynasty's allegiance to the sanctuary, followed by the two dynasties of the Diadochi; the Ptolemaic dynasty and the Antigonid dynasty who continually attempted to outdo one another in the 3rd century BC,during their alternating periods of domination over the island and more generally the Northern Aegean.

Philip II - Samothrace temple complex

Samothrace temple complex - Index