The island of Samothrace was a significant religious centre in the ancient Mediterranean world, largely due to the renowned Sanctuary of the Great Gods and the mystical nature of their worship. The Great Gods, often referred to as the 'Cabeiri,' were deities of Greek mythology with origins in early Greek Peloponnesian religion. Their sanctuary is located in the ancient city of Paleopolis, in the northern part of the island. The Cabeiri, also called the 'Great Gods,' were typically represented as a group of four or sometimes three deities, who were occasionally identified with prominent figures in Greek mythology. For example, they were associated with Zeus, Athena, Demeter, and Hephaestus. In some traditions, Hephaestus was referred to as 'Axiokersos,' Demeter as 'Axieros,' Persephone as 'Axiokersa,' and Hermes as 'Cadmilos' or 'Casmilos.' They were alternately described as the children of Zeus, Hephaestus, or Cabeira. A defining characteristic of the Cabeiri was their worship through mysteries, secretive rites that required initiation. Demeter was a constant figure in these rituals, and the deities were not addressed by their individual names but referred to simply as 'gods' (great, strong, and powerful). It is noteworthy that the Christian invocation of 'Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal...' may have its roots in the worship of the Cabeiri. The centre of the Cabeiri worship was identified in Samothrace and extended to other northern Aegean islands such as Imbros, Lemnos, and Thassos, as well as to the Thracian and Macedonian coasts. Over time, Cabeiri shrines were established in mainland Greece, including Boeotia. The Greek poet Pindar was among the first to mention them in literature, and it is said that many heroes of the Trojan War and, later, the royal families of Macedonia were initiated into their mysteries. The Cabeiri were often linked to Hephaestus as their father and Cabeira as their mother. They were considered both fire deities and chthonic (subterranean) spirits, acting as mediating gods from the depths of the earth. Among the known Cabeiri are Axiokersos, Axieros, Axiokersa, and Cadmus (also spelled Cadmilos or Casmilos). Today, in honour of the island's ancient history and religious traditions, the Municipality of Samothrace organizes various cultural and scientific events during the summer months.