A limestone column base reused as an altar, from the temple of Mithras (Mithraeum). The religion was a secret cult, mainly for men who valued virtue, honour and courage. These would have been soldiers and provincial administrators who took their religion and beliefs with them wherever they travelled in the empire.
The subterranean temple was constructed to resemble a cave. It was built in AD 240 and remained in use as a Mithraeum until AD 350. Shortly afterwards the temple was rebuilt and dedicated to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. The site continued to be used until the end of the Roman period.
