Samothrace temple complex

The cult of the great gods existed in Ancient Greece as one of several so-called mystery cults in addition to the worship of the Olympian deities. The most important sanctuary of the great gods, or Cabiri, which are exclusively chthonic deities and thus belong to the earth, Hiero still quite well preserved ton Megalon Theon applies on the island of Samothrace. The cult of the Great Gods on Samothrace was just like the mysteries of Eleusis, a Panhellenic cult. The main deity of the Great Gods, the Great Mother or Cybele can be considered, which has been identified or fused at various places in Greece with female Erdgottheiten as Rhea, Gaia and Demeter. To date, many details of the cult have remained secret. Probably was hoped happiness in life or salvation in a world after death. Most initiations took place at a major festival in the summer, but were in contrast to the Mysteries of Eleusis throughout the year possible. Noteworthy is the fact that not only free Greeks, but also non-Greeks, women, slaves and children were admitted to the cult. Two levels of initiation are known: first the lower Myesis 2 and the higher Epopteia. The inauguration ceremonies took place at night with various altar sacrifices and ritual dances. So far it is known to the initiates were not allowed to talk about this initiation and the corresponding knowledge of the mysteries of the Great Gods.