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Archaeologists have discovered a remarkable Roman sanctuary beneath modern-day Frankfurt, shedding new light on mysterious rituals practiced on the borders of the Roman Empire. Scientists are even considering the possibility of human sacrifice.
The complex was discovered within the former city of Nida, located in Roman Germany. It was one of the most important administrative and trading centers on the northern fringes of the empire. According to researchers, the discovered sanctuary may have belonged to a polytheistic cult active in the 3rd century CE.
Human skeleton found in well
The discovery of a well sparked the greatest excitement. Archaeologists found a human skeleton, a bronze figurine of the goddess Diana, and an inscription dedicated to Mercury Alatheus. Coins found indicate that the site may have been closed around the mid-3rd century CE.
Scientists emphasize that it is currently impossible to definitively determine whether the discovered man was the victim of a religious ritual. However, the mere discovery of remains within the sanctuary has sparked enormous interest among researchers of ancient religions.
One of the most important discoveries in recent years
The significance of the find is so significant that the research project has received over one million euros in funding from the German Research Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation. Over the next three years, specialists will analyze the layout of the sanctuary, the discovered deposits, and the functioning of the religious cult in Roman Germania.
Archaeologists, historians, and specialists in ancient Roman religion from several German academic institutions have been involved in the research. Researchers hope that the discovery will help us better understand religious practices on the distant borders of the Roman Empire.
Roman Germania still holds many secrets
Although over 1,500 years have passed since the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the lands of ancient Germania continue to regularly yield new discoveries related to the Roman presence. In recent years, archaeologists have discovered legionary camps, cemeteries, and the remains of settlements and temples there.
However, a newly discovered sanctuary near Frankfurt may be one of the most enigmatic finds in recent years – especially if further research confirms that dark religious rituals actually took place there.
