Monumentum
Tauroctony relief of Fertőrákos
The main cultic relief of Mithras slaying the bull of Fertorakos was carved into the rock face.
The New Mithraeum
13 Jul 2009
Updated on 19 Jan 2022
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The Mithraic relief discovered near Fertőrákos is similar to cult images from other Mithraic caves in the Roman Empire. The coloured relief, measuring 2 x 1.5 m, depicts the god Mithras in Persian dress, kneeling on the ground and pushing a bull with his dagger into its neck. From below, a dog and a snake throw themselves towards the blood spurting from the wound, while the scorpion stings the bull's testicles with both scissors. To the right and left are two torch-bearing figures. Above them, a representation of the sun and moon provide the celestial backdrop to the cave scene.