Archaeologists working in the Zagros Mountains have unearthed a series of hematite-lined altars that provide unprecedented evidence for the origins of the Mehregan, or the Festival of Mithra. These findings suggest that the celebration of the autumn equinox and the god of light dates back at least 3,000 years, involving sophisticated solar tracking and communal libations.
The site, located near the modern city of Kermanshah, features unique stone-carved basins used for the ritual pressing of pomegranate and grape juices. Researchers believe these altars were the focal point of "Autumn-Sun" festivals that emphasized the transition from the scorching summer to the life-giving harvest season, highlighting the deep agricultural roots of Persian cultural heritage.