GERMANY -- Archeologists in southwest Germany have uncovered a 1,800-year-old temple built to the Persian god Mithras while they were working on a Roman dig, authorities in the town of Gueglingen said Friday.

Well preserved parts of an altar, jewelry and pieces of a fresco have been discovered, said Andrea Neth, director at the site, which will be opened to the public on Sunday, AFP reported.

The temple is the fifth of its kind to be found in the southwest German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, according to local authorities.

The Roman army introduced the cult of Mithras from Persia (modern Iran) to the West. Focusing on truth, honor, courage and discipline, it became the god of many soldiers and traders.