Nine-figure altar from Mithraeum III, Carnuntum

TNMM 1713 ↔ CIMRM 1685

Altar in stone (H. 1.26 Br. 0.74 D. 0.68), found near a.

Reichel, 183f; MMM II 496 and figs. 432–4. See figs. 431–434.

On the four sides of the altar there are nine figures, six of which support the upper part which is decorated by two volutes connected by twigs. On the front of either volute a face with chubby cheeks surrounded by a threefold circle of leaves. The top of the altar is hollowed out in the centre. In the front of the rim and in the r. side of it an inscription.

The interpretation of the various figures is as follows (Eurus–Septentrio; Autumnus–Hiems; Favonius–Auster; Ver–Caelus–Aestas):

1) A naked person in beard placing his l. knee on a stone. He is represented much larger than the other two persons at his side (Caelus).

2) On his r. a naked youth whose head is crowned with flowers. He looks at Caelus. The uplifted r.h. is lost, but it seems that it supported the rim of the capital; a pin in the hip indicates the place of the other hand which probably held an object (Ver).

3) Another youth resembling the preceding one in attitude. He wears a crown of corn-ears. Both arms are lost, but the l.h. supported the corner of the altar (Aestas).

4) The r. side of the altar shows two persons. A naked youth, represented frontally, kneeling on a rocky stone and rests his r.h. on his knee (Auster). He looks to the right. Wings are visible at his temple and at his r. cheek. In his mouth he probably held a trumpet; his l.h. was attached to the upper corner of the altar.

5) A standing thin, old man in beard, dressed in a long cloak which covers his head. His l.h. is broken off (Hiems).

6) The back of the altar shows persons in the same attitude back to back (Eurus and Septentrio). They are naked and their r. feet rest on a rocky stone. No traces of wings at the temples. They held their l.h. on their backs and with his r.h. the first person is holding a salpinx downwards. Of the second person (7) the r. knee and leg, the r. arm and hand are lacking.

8) The l. side of the altar. A standing naked youth with two bunches of grapes in his hair (Autumnus). Both arms are lost, but probably he supported the capital with his r.h. whereas he hold the other hand downwards by his side.

9) A person kneeling with his r. knee on a rocky stone. He has the same attitude as No. 4 (Favonius); he has wings in his hair and most probably he had a salpinx in his mouth.