The geographical position of Samothrace between the coasts of Thrace and Asia Minor made it in ancient times a bridge for the passage from one continent to another. This special position held by the island of Samothrace in the maritime communications of the North Aegean due to its geographical position in the middle of the Thracian sea, was the reason why the first settlers chose the position where there is a small bay to settle (in the position that today it is called Paleopolis).
From the ancient breakwater, which was built to the east of the bay, probably during the 6th century. p. X. for the more effective protection of the port, some boulders can be seen today in the sea. The port of the Ancient City, which was outside the fortification, is mentioned in the sources for the first time in the 4th century. BC and finally in the Acts of the Apostles where we read that the Apostle Paul passed through there in 49-50 AD, during his journey from Asia Minor to Neapolis (today's Kavala).
According to tradition, the early Christian basilica was built in memory of this event, the ruins of which are located in the eastern part of the ancient port. Tracheite boulders were used to build the ancient jetty of the port, which are still visible today in the sea, where the steep ridge of Ai-Georgi ends.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou