The New Mithraeum

This relief is so well-known that it has been reproduced in nearly every handbook of archaeology and of history of religions.

Fragmentary inscription from Vindobala preserving a rare dedication to “Sol Apollo Anicetus” within a Mithraic context on Hadrian’s Wall.

The bronze medallion, from Cilicia, shows Mithras Tauroctonus on the revers.

A fragmentary red sandstone relief preserves the upper part of three-headed Hekate holding a long object in her left hand.

A white marble relief from the Forum Vetus shows Mithras with a raised lance, likely part of a larger ensemble of deities.

The site was destroyed in the 5th century but some elements, including the benches, can still been seen.

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The Mithraeum of Slaveni was discovered in 1837 on the right bank of the river Olt, in Romanati district.

The Rites of Hekate is a personal yet deeply rooted academic account of the current understanding of this ambivalent goddess, presented as an arcane and liminal archetype.

The Hekataion of Sidon, which depicts Hekate in her trimorphic form surrounded by three dancing girls, is the only example found to date in connection with the Mithraic cult.

Salve Pattie, In case you missed it, there is also a page on the mithraeum itself: https://www.mithraeum.eu/monument/39. Any information on the relief would be much appreciated. Vale

😉 and what about the armour!

Mithras Tauroctony on bronze exposed at the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

The Mysteries of Mithras is an independent Initiatic Order which is inspired by and uses the allegory of the lost and ancient Mithraic Mysteries also known as Mithraism a previously influential Roman Cult of the same name.

Beheaded Cautopates in limestone found on the podium of the Jajce Mithraeum, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A small limestone altar from Bandorf near Oberwinter dedicated to Deo Invicto Regi. Found in an isolated structure not resembling a mithraeum, its function remains uncertain.

Sandstone base carved on two sides, with a head of Medusa framed by acanthus leaves and a reclining lion holding a head between its forelegs.

🔥 UNDERGROUND RITUALS AND CANDLES – LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS 🕯️

Mithraea were not magnificent temples on hilltops. They were hidden underground — dark, elongated spaces with an altar at the end, symbolising the cave of the cosmos.

In such a place, light acquired a special meaning.

Worship took place by:

🕯️ the light of torches and oil lamps,
🍷 symbolic ritual meals,
🤝 oaths of loyalty among members of the brotherhood.

Mithraism was not a religion of the masses. It was a path of initiation, discipline, and quiet devotion.

For this reason it was especially popular among Roman soldiers — it taught brotherhood, trust, loyalty, and respect for order.

In the darkness of the mithraeum a light burned — not only a flame, but the idea that order overcomes chaos.

🏛️ In Poetovio too, a mithraeum once bore witness to these mysterious rites. In the very place where we walk today, torches once burned and oaths resounded.

👉 More about the project: Hiša doživetij Vicus Fortunae - Domov