The Nike of Samothrace: Setting the Record Straight

The cleaning, restudy, conservation, and reassembly of the Nike of Samothrace in 2013–2014 have prompted several new proposals as to its topographical context, date, and function. This article seeks to clarify some fundamental issues about the statue itself; the socle and ship’s prow on which it stood; an associated inscription; the precinct and edifice in and around which they were found; and last but not least, their relation to the sanctuary as a whole. These clarifications should enable future work to proceed on a firmer basis than hitherto.