Bronze inscription from Aldobrandini

TNMM 119 ↔ CIMRM 234 & 235

Bronze slab (H. 0.41 Br. 0.285) with inscr. No. 235. It seems to have been found in the same sanctuary [of Aldobrandini]. From the Castellani ColI. to London, Br. Mus.

The top of the tablet is divided into three sections by two triangular notches. In the central section the naked bust of Sol with an aureole of seven rays around his head, three of which are broken off. The bust emerges from acanthus-leaves. In the r. section a patera, in the l. section a sacrificial knife. A handle has been made on the back, decorated with leafwork in relief. At the extremities a long, pointed dog's head.

Prof. dr B. Ashmole was so kind as to point out to me a sacrificial knife, similar to the one on the bronze tablet. It was found in Brittany at Corseul near Divan and came from the Tournier colI. into the British Museum in 1914. A tendril-motif was engraved on the sides of the handle and it ends in a lion's head.

A bronze inscription, now in the British Museum, may also come from the Mitreo Aldobrandini. Below a small bust of Sol a inscription put up by all priests of Mithras in Ostia and Portus, in honour of Sextus Pompeius Maximus, 'father of the fathers'. Apparently he was the leader of the cult of Mithras in Ostia. We also learn that he was in charge of one of Ostia's ferry services. 

Above the text are a bust of Mithras with a sacrificial knife and a patera (mixing bowl).

Comments

Pattie L

British Museum: Gallery 70, display case 14
(G70/dc14)