Samothrace was populated by the pre-hellenic tribes of the Kares and the Thracians. The name “Samothrace” is most probably connected to the race of Kares. The Thracians were the ones who introduced the cult of the Great Gods and the formal ceremonial language used during the performance of the mystery in the sanctuary.

In the 7th century BC, we can trace the onset of the systematic colonization of the island by populations coming from Asia Minor. Since 508 BC, Samothrace was under the rule of the Persians. Therefore, after the defeat of the Persians in the battle of Salamis the island was included in the First Athenian Alliance.

In the following centuries Samothrace was transformed into a religious center, whose prestige reaches its higher peak during the era of the Macedonian kingdom, 340 BC. It is believed that king Philip the second met Olympias -the mother of Alexander the Great- in Samothrace during the Caveirian mysteries. Contrary to other religious mystical rites, the Caveirian Mysteries were open to all believers regardless of their social decent.

In 164 BC, Samothrace comes under the rule of the Romans, and it is during this era that the island is converted into an international ritual center. Numerous high roman officials and ordinary citizens visited the island in order to beinitiated to the worship of the Great Gods and to ensure their grace.

During the times of the Byzantine Empire, the island lost its privileged position and became a place of exile for the opponents of the Byzantine Emperors. In 1204, Samothrace was conquered by Venecians and Genovese. In 1457, the Ottomans conquered the island. The Ottoman rule on the island lasted until 1912, when Samothrace was united with the Greek state.