Eleusis was a significant center of worship closely tied to the goddess Demeter, who was revered for her connection to grain growth and her compassion towards humanity. Within the cult of Demeter in Eleusis, initiates were offered a chance to transcend the mortal realm through sacred rituals, drawing countless worshippers across generations to the sanctuary.

The settlement of Eleusis traces back to the Middle Bronze Age, situated on the slopes where the sanctuary later stood. Legend holds that Demeter arrived in Eleusis while searching for her abducted daughter Persephone, resting by a well where she encountered the daughters of King Keleus. She took on the role of a nurse for the king’s son, Demophon, granting him immortality through nightly rituals.

Upon discovery, Demeter revealed her identity and instructed the people to build a temple and altar, leading to a joyous reunion with Persephone. Demeter shared her sacred rites, establishing a tradition lasting through antiquity. Initiation into the cult of Demeter required adherence to her prescribed rituals, initially limited to locals but later expanding to become a Panhellenic institution. Following Roman conquest, the Eleusinian Mysteries gained widespread popularity, attracting pilgrims from across the Roman world.