Archaeologists in Regensburg have uncovered the oldest known Mithras temple in Bavaria, dating to between AD 80 and 171. The wooden sanctuary, discovered during pre-construction excavations, contained votive stones, metal plaques, and ceramic vessels decorated with snakes. The site was once a hub for the mysterious men-only cult that flourished across the Roman Empire.

Emperor Hadrian-era coins helped date the temple, which predates eight other Mithraea found in the Roman province of Raetia. The cult of Mithras originated in ancient Persia as a god of covenants and justice before evolving into a Roman sun deity. Followers participated in graded initiation rituals with seven levels, from Corax to Pater, and held ritual banquets in temple caves.

The seven-meter-long structure was partially sunken with raised platforms for worshippers and a central depression. Analysis of food containers suggests high-quality feasts were common. The temple will be displayed at Regensburg's Historical Museum as part of its redesigned Roman galleries, highlighting this significant window into Roman religious practices.