Mystery religions were ancient belief systems that offered secret knowledge and rituals to initiates. These religions often focused on themes of death, rebirth, and the afterlife, providing followers with a sense of personal transformation. Notable examples include the Eleusinian Mysteries of Demeter and Persephone, and the cult of Mithras. Initiation into these mystery cults typically involved a series of rites and ceremonies that were kept confidential from outsiders. Participants believed that through these rituals, they could gain divine favor and insight into the mysteries of existence. The appeal of mystery religions grew during the late Roman Empire, as they provided spiritual fulfillment in a time of social change.