This paper is the first to use an innovative multi-proxy approach to obtain insights into hitherto unknown Mithraic cult practices. Using soil micromorphology, zooarchaeology and histotaphonomy, we investigated two mithraea (Biesheim FR, Kempraten CH) and one cult cave (Zillis CH). This was also the first study to include micromorphological and histotaphonomic approaches within the context of Mithraic research. The systematic evaluation of thermal alteration and bioerosion (in particular bacterial attack) on the animal bones, in combination with zooarchaeological results, allows a differentiation between various (cult) practices involving animals. Thanks to the micromorphological investigations, it was possible to demonstrate that repeatedly spreading combustion residues and renewing the floor were important parts of the cult practices of Mithraism. Our results suggest that a cult practice consisting of several stages was carried out on all three sites. Our study highlights that multiple floor constructions as well as the related sediments and (micro-) artefacts of cultic indoor features are important sources of information.

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Summary During rescue excavations carried out near the vicus at Kempraten (municipality of Rapperswil-Jona, St. Gallen, Switzerland) in advance of a private construction project, a Mithraeum measuring approximately 8 by 10 m was unexpectedly discovered in the summer of 2015 and subsequently excavated and investigated in detail. This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation, which was completed less than a year ago, and pays particular attention to the interdisciplinary approach used in the excavation. These included intense sampling of the features for the purposes of micromorphology and archaeobiology. Three construction phases with intermittent conflagrations were identified. The question as to whether there was an ante-chamber remains unanswered. The external areas are also quite difficult to interpret, at least for the time being. The rich assemblage of finds, which included numerous coins, pottery, animal bones and a range of religious artefacts (e.g. altars and a half relief), will only be dealt with in a cursory manner here. According to the range of coins, the Mithraeum undoubtedly dated from the late 3rd to the late 4th or early 5th centuries. The site will be analysed by an interdisciplinary team and preliminary work is already underway.