During a routine rescue excavation in Regensburg, archaeologists have unearthed a Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the Roman mystery cult of Mithras. Built between 80 and 171 AD, the timber-and-stone sanctuary is now recognized as the earliest of nine known Mithraic sites in the province of Raetia. The find was made ahead of the construction of a modern apartment complex in the city's old town district.
Excavations revealed ritual drinking jugs and incense burners used during secret cult meals. A silver votive plaque inscribed with "DEO INVICTO" (to the invincible god) confirmed the site's identity. Johannes Sebrich, lead archaeologist for the City of Regensburg, noted that the discovery is unique in Bavaria due to its age and the preservation of ritual artifacts that illustrate the cult's rapid spread from the East to the Roman frontiers.