The Mithraeum of Jajce, dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries CE, is the oldest national monument in the town. This ancient site provides a unique glimpse into the worship practices of the invincible sun god, Mithras, whose cult was widespread across all provinces of the Roman Empire, including the province of Dalmatia, which encompassed most of present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Mithraic religion, known for its mysterious and exclusive rituals, thrived in the Roman Empire. Followers of Mithras often sought to place their sacred sites in caves, which symbolized the cosmic cave where Mithras performed his legendary deeds. When natural caves were unavailable, they built small, single-cell temples called speleae, often partially buried underground to emulate the cave environment.
