Mithäum II von Heddernheim

TNMM 1439 ↔ CIMRM 1108

Mithraeum II found in 1826 about 150 mtrs West of Mithraeum I.

The finds are in the Städtisches Museum at Wiesbaden. Many thanks to the Director Dr. H. Schoppa for his kind permission to take new photographs.

The lay-out and the dimensions of Mithraeum II do not differ very much from those of Mithraeum I. At its south side, near B, one enters by means of seven steps (Br. ± 1.00); the sanctuary proper (L. 13.40 Br. 6.08 Deep 1.35). These steps are built between two projecting walls (L. 2.45). The Mithraeum is divided by two small walls (D. 0.42) into the benches EE (Br. 1.26) and the central aisle F (Br. 2.20) which has to be entered at D by three steps (H. 0.60 Br. 1.15). Next to this entrance there were two basalt bases (t, u) for the statues of the torchbearers. Only one of them is preserved (No. 1110).

The two benches end at a distance of 1.60 mtrs from the back-wall. Dais G which one ascends by three steps covers the entire width of the sanctuary. In the backwall a trapezium-shaped niche (depth 0.60) with three narrow (Br. 0.20) steps. The niche probably contained a representation of Mithras as a bullkiller (No. 1109).

Near m and n are bases in basalt; on either side of the cult-niche along the outer walls of the niche near f and t are narrow elevations (Br. 0.30 D. 0.50) beginning at f and t and proceeding as far as Q. It was possible to determine the outer walls (L. 8.40 D. 0.70) so that it is certain that room A is the pronaos. No traces of columns were found nor was it possible to determine the height of the building.