ItalyThe Ansanto Valley (Valle d'Ansanto) near Rocca San Felice in Campania hosts a sanctuary dedicated to Mefitis, an Oscan-Sabellian goddess of waters, fertility, and the threshold between worlds [1] [2] [3] [4]. The cult dates to at least the 6th-5th century BC [3] [5]. Gas emissions produce a sulphurous lake (Lacus Amsancti), regarded by ancient peoples as an entrance to the underworld [1] [2] [6] [7]. Excavations yielded terracotta votive offerings including seated women [8]. Virgil described the site in the Aeneid's seventh canto [7].
Rocca San Felice
Also known as: 로카산펠리체, Rocca Sancti Felicis, Rocca San Felice, Avellino, Rocca San Felice (munisipyo), Rocca San Filici, Рока Сан Феличе, Рока-Сан-Фелічэ, Рокка-Сан-Феличе, Рокка-Сан-Феліче, Ռոկա Սան Ֆելիչե, Ռոքա Սան Ֆելիչե, روكا سان فيليس
| Type | Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Period | 1500 - 500 BC |
| Country | Italy |
| Coordinates | 40.9748° N, 15.1462° E |