an island possessed by the Samians and Thracians
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
In the Aegean. A conspicuous landmark to sailors; in Paul's first voyage to Europe from Troas to Neapolis (Act_16:11). He sailed with a fair wind in going, so that his voyage took him only parts of two days, anchoring for the night at Samothracia, but in returning five (Act_20:6). The ancient city, and probably the anchorage, was on the N. side sufficiently sheltered from a S.E. wind; this wind would counteract the opposing current which sets S. from the Hellespont, and E. between Samothracia and the mainland.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Samothra'cia. Mention is made of this island, in the account of St. Paul's first voyage to Europe. Act_16:11; Act_20:6. Being very lofty and conspicuous, it is an excellent landmark for sailors, and must have been full in view, if the weather was clear throughout that voyage from Troas to Neapolis.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863