Mithräum von Künzing

TNMM 357

In the area of the Ostvicus in Künzing, a contiguous area of about 4.3 ha has been completely excavated. The area between the outer fort ditch and the beginning of the civilian settlement, which is free of finds, probably represents a kind of market place.

It was not until 1998 that a confirmed ground plan of a sanctuary was established.

The mithraeum is located 190 metres east of the outer defence ditch of the cohort fort, directly adjacent to the civilian settlement; 30 metres away from the sanctuary is a cremation cemetery. The mithraeum is a cellar-like temple building with an east-west orientation. The wooden structure is two-phase, the entrance is probably to the east.

Two pits were found 5 metres to the east, containing bones of sheep and goats, chickens, young pigs, as well as mortar remains, granite and pottery.

A special group of finds is formed by a large quantity of stones, including worked pieces of granite, lime and tuff. The two largest stones are found in the west of the central aisle, where the altar may have stood. Evidence of an older construction phase is provided by planum 3, which lies about 25 cm below planum 2. Here the central section was reduced to a length of 7.9 metres, and the width was increased to between 2.75 and 2.90 metres.

Trench discolourations running to the north and south provide evidence of posts.