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Mithraism Intro

References: Nock, 41-44, 75, 132. Ferguson, 287-96.

A Typical Mithras Scene


The next slide shows a typical version of the Mithras iconography. It was part of a Mithras temple, or Mithraeum, located in a municipality near Rome called Nersae. The relief and the Mithraeum in which it was located were dedicated to the city in 172 CE by the city treasurer (and slave of the city) Apronianus.

Ara Pacis Museum, Rome

The scene shown here is the tauroctony, or slaying of the bull, by the god Mithras. Around the image are arrayed various other symbols of the cult. They are described in Ferguson, 291.

The dog and the snake lap up the blood from the bull.

The torchbearers, "Cautes" pointing up, "Cautopates" pointing down, symbolize the passage of the sun from the spring equinox to the autumn equinox.

The tail of the bull sprouts wheat

The scorpion attacks the bull's genitals.

On the left above is a representation of the sun, with a raven (a messenger deity?). On the right above is a representation of the moon.

Mithras is shown wearing the characteristic Phrygian hat, representing the region of Asia Minor with which he was associated.

The other panels represent scenes from the life of Mithras. The one on the bottom left shows the birth of Mithras from a rock.

This iconic image of Mithras slaying the bull was reproduced at every Mithras sanctuary. Examples have been found from a wide spectrum of the Roman Empire.

Rome

Images from a Mithraeum showing scenes from the life of Mithras.

As Ferguson notes, Mithras sanctuaries tended to be designed very much alike. There was a long central nave culminating in a representation of the tauroctony. On either side of the nave were stone platforms which functioned as dining couches for the sacred meals of the worshippers. The structure itself was designed like a cave.

Mithraeum of Felicissimus, Ostia. The mosaic floor surface shows the seven degrees of initiation into the cult.

A diner in the Ostia Mithraeum.

Ostia: Mithraeum of the Baths of Mithras

Ostia: Mithraeum of the Painted Walls

Ostia: Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres

Mithraea spread to the far corners of the Roman Empire. the next slides show a few examples.

A Mithraeum built in a reused seaside warehouse in Caesarea Maritima, the main port city of Roman Judea.

The tauroctony scene on a small engraving found in front of the altar structure at the Caesarea Maritima Mithraeum. Salt encrusted remains of frescos were also found on the walls.

The cult image of the Mithraeum in Dura Europas, the easternmost outpost of the Roman Empire, now in modern Syria.

Ruins of a Roman period Mithraeum found in London.

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