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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.
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