In 1996-1997 a mithraeum was excavated to the west of the villa, outside the enclosed area. It measured about 20 x 20 meters. It was built in the late second or early third century and in use until at least the late fourth century. No cult images or inscriptions were found, but the architecture leaves no doubt about the identification.
Plan of the mithraeum. Luginbühl et al. 2001, fig. 91.
Behind a vestibule (pronaos) was an apsidal main room, the cave of Mithras (spelaeum). In the entrance was a door or curtain. It had a wooden floor. In the back part may have been a podium. On the walls were paintings imitating marble. The ceiling was painted blue. Below the floor a pit was found with charred animal bones, crockery and cooking vessels, the remains of communal meals of the initiates. On either side of the spelaeum was a reclining bench measuring 10 x 2 meters, decorated with marble slabs. In the shrine 310 coins were found, for the most part in front of the apse. Apparently they were votive gifts. Other rooms will have been used for the storage of various objects (apparitorium, "sacristy").
[18-Mar-2024]