Rožanec Mithraeum, mithraeum in Slovenia
Rožanec Mithraeum is an archaeological site carved into an abandoned quarry wall near Črnomelj. The rock face displays an ancient relief showing the god Mithras performing a sacrifice, accompanied by a Latin inscription naming three men who commissioned the sculpture.
The site developed toward the end of the 2nd century when worship of Mithras was spreading throughout the Roman world. Excavations have revealed fire remains and pottery that point to ritual ceremonies involving offerings at this location.
The site takes its name from Mithras, a Persian sun god worshipped in ancient times at this very location. Visitors can experience how this place sits deep in nature and sense its sacred meaning to those who once gathered here for rituals.
The site is accessible via a marked path from the road between Črmošnjice and Črnomelj in a quiet forest away from traffic noise. Visitors should stay on marked trails and take care when crossing the railroad tracks.
An old legend claimed that a golden calf lay hidden at the Mithraeum, drawing explorers and treasure hunters to the site for centuries. Today, the Bela Krajina Museum in Metlika preserves a plaster cast of the original relief so visitors can understand how the ancient carving appeared.
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