Rožanec Mithraeum, mithraeum in Slovenia

Rožanec Mithraeum is a relief carved into the wall of an abandoned ancient quarry in the Judovje woods above the village of Rožanec. It shows Mithras kneeling on the bull's back and killing it, with a dog, a snake, a scorpion, the sun and moon figures, and the priests Cautopates and Cautes. The carving dates from the end of the 2nd century.

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 relief depicts the standard Mithraic scene: Mithras kneeling on the bull's back, the crow, the dog, the snake and the scorpion, the sun and moon, and the torchbearers Cautopates and Cautes. The site lies in the Judovje wood above the village, and the carved quarry wall still shows the setting of the cult.

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.

The relief was carved at the end of the 2nd century into the wall of an abandoned Roman quarry. Excavations showed the original ground level beside it was 75 cm lower than today, and traces of a hearth indicate that fire was used in some rituals. A 1953 copy in the Bela Krajina Museum in Metlika records its condition before recent decay.