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Samothracia

Locations
Modern Location Evros Regional Unit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece
Coordinates 40.4667° N, 25.5167° E

Geographical Setting

Samothrace is a mountainous Greek island in the northern Aegean Sea, renowned for its ancient sanctuary and archaeological significance.

What is the meaning of Samothracia in the Bible?

Samothrace is an island situated in the northern Aegean Sea, geographically positioned near the Thracian coast. It is historically distinguished as the location of the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, a major center of ancient mystery cults.

SIGNIFICANCE

The island functions as a key geographical waypoint in the New Testament, marking the final leg of Paul's sea voyage from Troas to Neapolis as recorded in Acts 16:11, thereby illustrating the maritime routes utilized in early Christian missionary travel.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Samothracia (located near modern Evros Regional Unit, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Samothracia in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Samothracia clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Acts 16:11

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Samothracia." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/samothracia/
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