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Samothraki History
The island was first settled in the 8th Century B.C., though it had been inhabited from the Neolithic period. 
The Thracians from the mainland opposite built the first significant settlement on the island at Paleopolis on the north coast of the island,
as well as the Sanctuary of the Great Gods, situated not far from the old city.
Unlike the Olympian gods, the Great gods were of the earth and the Underworld, and the cult’s mysteries and religious rituals were secrets closely guarded.
However, it became a cult of major proportions, had many illustrious followers, and lasted until the 4th Century A.D.
At this point in time, the island came under the rule of Byzantium; temple festivals were forbidden, migration to the mountains in the interior led to an abandonment of the old city, and the island entered into a steep period of decline. It was during this time that the modern capital was founded 6 kilometers southeast of its present-day port. From 1430 and until 1457, the island was ruled by the Venetians, and their fortress was constructed above and overlooking the town. The Turks took over the island in 1457 and held it until the War of Independence in 1821; Samothraki was joined with Greece in 1912.
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