Major fresco of the Mitreo Barberini

The substantial temple (18.3 x 7.6m) was built in stone from the beginning, it maintained throughout its history a standard plan of a central nave aisle flanked by podium benches. An apse stood at the West end. There was evidence of a narthex on the east side, however it was not possible to excavate this area.

A brief history

The first shrine (Temple 1) was founded cAD240-50. Bases for seven pairs of columns stood on the sleeper wall at the front of the benches. Two steps lead down to the earthern floor of the lower-level nave. Timber boards survived from the floor of the two side…