Categories: AntiquitiesNews

Ancient Temple of Mithra Discovered in Historical Armenia

In the Turkish province of Diyarbakir (in historical Western Armenia), scientists discovered a unique underground temple dedicated to the ancient deity Mithra. The structure is estimated to have an age of 1,700 years.

According to the Turkish “Hurriyet”, the temple was discovered near the historic Zerzevan castle during archaeological excavations conducted by the staff of the country’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism since 2014.

During the excavations, an underground temple called Mithraeum, as well as a water channel, water collecting wells, secret passages, and shelters were discovered.

Mithraism was widespread in the pre-Christian Roman Empire. In addition, Mithra was revered by many other nations, including Armenians. Armenian King Trdat, addressing Emperor Nero (1st century AD), mentioned that he honored Mithra. Mithra is also one of the most frequently mentioned heroes in Armenian mythology.

Vigen Avetisyan

Recent Posts

The Land of Kajants: Language, Kings, and Gods

Reconsidering the Language and Sacred Heritage of Urartu in Armenian Historical Thought For more than…

2 days ago

Hayasa-Azzi: A Powerful Armenian Kingdom of the Armenian Highlands

Among the earliest known states of the Armenian Highlands, few are as historically important as…

2 weeks ago

The Frescoes of Dadivank Monastery and the Misinterpretation of Heritage

The medieval monastery of Dadivank is one of the most important spiritual and artistic centers…

3 weeks ago

Armenian Orphan Girls in New York (1917): A Forgotten Act of Witness and Relief

In 1917, at the height of global upheaval during World War I, a small but…

4 weeks ago

The Armenian Genocide: State Crime, Mass Participation, and the Burden of Historical Responsibility

The Armenian Genocide (1915–1921 ...) was not an accident of war, nor a tragic byproduct…

4 weeks ago

The First Printed Armenian Bible (Amsterdam, 1666–1668)

Introduction The first printed edition of the Bible in the Armenian language stands as one…

1 month ago