An island in the North-Aegean Sea, on the coast of Thrace, nearly midway between Troas and Philippi. On his first visit to Europe, Paul anchored for the night on the north of the island, Ac 16:11. It was anciently called Samos; and in order to distinguish it from the other Samos, the epithet Thracian was added. Samothracia contained a lofty mountain and a city of the same name, and was celebrated for its devotion to the heathen mysteries, particularly to those of Ceres and Proserpine. Hence the island received the epithet of "sacred," and was regarded as an inviolable asylum for all fugitives and criminals. It is now called by the Turks Semendrek.

an island in the AEgean Sea, off the coast of Thracia, about 32 miles distant. This Thracian Samos was passed by Paul on his voyage from Troas to Neapolis (Ac 16:11) on his first missionary journey. It is about 8 miles long and 6 miles broad. Its modern name is Samothraki.

In the Aegean. A conspicuous landmark to sailors; in Paul's first voyage to Europe from Troas to Neapolis (Ac 16:11). He sailed with a fair wind in going, so that his voyage took him only parts of two days, anchoring for the night at Samothracia, but in returning five (Ac 20:6). The ancient city, and probably the anchorage, was on the N. side sufficiently sheltered from a S.E. wind; this wind would counteract the opposing current which sets S. from the Hellespont, and E. between Samothracia and the mainland.

Samothra'cia

A small island in the north-east of the AEgean Sea off which Paul's ship anchored for a night on his first visit to Europe. Ac 16:11. It is now called Samothraki.

Samothra'cia.

Mention is made of this island in the account of St. Paul's first voyage to Europe.

Ac 16:11; 20:6

Being very lofty and conspicuous, it is an excellent landmark for sailors, and must have been full in view, if the weather was clear throughout that voyage from Troas to Neapolis.