The ancient Amphipolis was founded in 438/7 BC. as a colony of the Athenians, in a position of strategic importance, near the fertile estuary of the river Strymons and the valuable deposits of Mount Pangaeus.

Shrines dedicated to local deities and demons held a special place within the city. Characteristic examples are the muse Cleo, the equestrian hero Rissus, the Nymph, the river Strymonas and above all Artemis Tauropolos.

The findings also provide important information about the worship of the Olympian Gods, such as the Pythian Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, as well as Herakles, the Dioscuri, and Asclepius.

The focus of the religious life of the city was the cult of Artemis Tauropoulos, while in the Hellenistic and Roman years the cult of the Egyptian gods and the eastern deities Cybele and Attios became particularly popular.