Mithraism Intro

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Mithraism Intro

References:

Nock, 41-44, 75, 132.

Ferguson, 287-96.


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A Typical Mithras Scene

The next slide shows a typical version ofthe Mithras iconography. It was part ofa Mithras temple, or Mithraeum, located

in a municipality near Rome calledNersae. The relief and the Mithraeumin which it was located were dedicated

to the city in 172 CE by the citytreasurer (and slave of the city)Apronianus.


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Ara Pacis Museum, Rome


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The scene shown here is thetauroctony, or slaying of the

bull, by the god Mithras.Around the image are arrayedvarious other symbols of the

cult. They are described inFerguson, 291.


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The dog and the snake lap

up the blood from the bull.


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The torchbearers, "Cautes" pointingup, "Cautopates" pointing down,

symbolize the passage of the sun

from the spring equinox to the

autumn equinox.


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The tail of the bull

sprouts wheat

The scorpion attacks

the bull's genitals.


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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.


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Mithras is shown wearing the characteristic

Phrygian hat, representing the region

of Asia Minor with which he was associated.


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The other panels represent scenes fromthe life of Mithras. The one on the bottom

left shows the birth of Mithras from a rock.


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This iconic image of Mithrasslaying the bull was reproduced

at every Mithras sanctuary.Examples have been found

from a wide spectrum of theRoman Empire.


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Rome


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Images from a Mithraeum showing

scenes from the life of Mithras.


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As Ferguson notes, Mithras sanctuariestended to be designed very much alike.There was a long central nave

culminating in a representation of thetauroctony. On either side of the navewere stone platforms which functioned

as dining couches for the sacred mealsof the worshippers. The structure itselfwas designed like a cave.


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Mithraeum of Felicissimus, Ostia. The mosaic floor surface

shows the seven degrees of initiation into the cult.


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A diner in the Ostia Mithraeum.


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Ostia: Mithraeum of the Baths of Mithras


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Ostia: Mithraeum of the Painted Walls


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Ostia: Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres


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Mithraea spread to the farcorners of the Roman Empire.

the next slides show a fewexamples.


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A Mithraeum built in a reused seaside warehouse

in Caesarea Maritima, the main port city of Roman Judea.


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The tauroctony

scene on a smallengraving found in

front of the altar

structure at the

Caesarea Maritima

Mithraeum.Salt encrusted

remains of frescos

were also found

on the walls.


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The cult image of the Mithraeum in Dura Europas, the easternmost

outpost of the Roman Empire, now in modern Syria.


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Ruins of a Roman period Mithraeum found in London.

Mithraism Intro

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