The word “religion” is derived from the Latin religare, to bind.

What were these ancient Mysteries that could inspire such reverent awe and heartfelt appreciation?

Religion does not seem at first to have had any connection with morals. Apparently (for we are merely guessing, or echoing Petronius, who echoed Lucretius) “it was fear that first made the gods”25 —fear of hidden forces in the earth, rivers, oceans, trees, winds, and sky. Religion became the propitiatory worship of these forces through offerings,