CIMRM 723

TNMM 1198 ↔ CIMRM 723 & 724

Fragment of a white marble relief, worked on either side (H. 0.79 Br. 0.18), found in the ruins of the Castello di Tuenno near the entry to the Tovel-valley. Trento, Museo Nazionale.

Of the main scene are only visible a foot of Mithras, remnants of a torch-bearer and above it the head of Sol in radiate crown. The entire l. side-border has been preserved, on which, separated by an horizontal ledge, the following scenes are represented. From top to bottom:

Obverse:

1) Standing, bearded person in long hair. His cloak leaves his r. shoulder and part of his chest uncovered. In his hanging r.h. he holds a thin bar against a boulder (Jupiter or Saturnus?).

2) A similar person in the same attire in reclining attitude. In his r.h. he holds an oblong object (reed?) (Oceanus).

3) A naked, kneeling figure raises a thunderbolt in order to strike a Gigant with snake-feet, who is lying before him.

4) Standing, bearded figure, dressed in a long cloak shakes hands with naked Sol, standing by his side. Sol wears an aureole round his head and holds a whip in his I.h.

5) Kneeling, naked person, holding a spherical object with his I.h. (Atlas). There must have been other scenes on the upper ledge of the relief.

The Reverse represents the r. side of a large scene. Before the bull’s head stands Cautes with upraised arm (torch lost) on a large boulder, against which a snake is winding its way up. At the foot of the boulder waving lines (water ?). Above the head of the torchbearer a great tree (cypress) is visible, with a wild boar tearing down towards it. Of the animal only the head and forelegs have been preserved. Below this the following inscription:

CIMRM 724

[Deo] i(nvicto) M(ithrae).