Island of Samothraki
Grc: Σαμοθρᾴκη - En: Samothrace
Samothraki is the northernmost Hellenic island in the Aigean Sea and one of the most rugged. The island resembles a mountain, half-submerged, with human settlements mostly limited to the coastline. Dark clouds surround the mountain even on hot summer days.
The Argonauts stopped here, according to both Apollonius of Rhodes and Valerius Flaccus, although no poets dare tell us what the heroes saw. Sailors know to stay away, and it's likely that those who don't have to navigate boats don't know of the island's existence at all.
by Wikipedia User Marsyas
Then Lemnos grows faint and Samothraki grows larger, guarding the secret of Thrakian rites; for here dwells the great and terrible daimon, and here are ordained penalties for an unguarded tongue. No storm sent by Zeus ever dares to beat upon this land, but of its own will the island makes fierce his waves to forbid faithless sailors from touching the shores. But Thyotes, the priest, meets the Minyan Argonauts and bids them welcome to the land and to the temples, revealing their mysteries to his guests. Thus much, Samothraki, has the poet proclaimed thee to the nations and the light of day; there stay, and let us keep our reverence for holy mysteries.
Geography
Landmarks
Mount Saos
The highest point on the island is Mount Saos, rising to 1,611 m (5,285 ft), and the current second highest place in the North Aigean, after Mount Athos on the peninsula of Akte was created during the Gigantomachy. Saos is useful to sailors for their navigation, due to its relative height and prominence. Waterfalls drop from its northern face, some exceeding 80 meters in height, feeding streams and pools. The slopes and gorges are covered in forests of maples and oaks.Phengari Peak
The summit is known as Phengari, meaning "moon," and actually does resemble a lunar landscape. A local legend says that anyone who stands atop Phengari during the night of a full moon will see something that they wish coming true. Poseidon is said to have watched the Trojan War from this vantage point.Phonias Falls
A few kilometers east of the Sanctuary is the tallest waterfall on the island, Phonias (killer) Falls, with a height of 83 meters. It feeds the Phonias Stream and numerous small bathing ponds.
Type
Island
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