Three-register tauroctony relief from Sarmizegetusa

TNMM 1889 ↔ CIMRM 2034

Eleven fragments of a white marble relief (H. 0.22–0.36 Br. 0.30 D. 0.01–0.02).

Studniczka, No. 33 and Pl. VIII, 2; Kiraly, 52f No. 132 and Pl. XVII, 2; MMM II 296f No. 169 and fig. 152. See fig. 533.

The relief is divided into three parts by horizontal rims. In the centre Mithras as a bullkiller. The god's head, the flying cloak and the breast are lost; of the bull only the head and the hindmost part of the body are preserved. Cautopates (l) is cross-legged and holds the torch downwards with his r.h. The head and the breast are lost. Beside him an indistinct object probably the trunk of a tree. Of Cautes (r) the head and the feet are preserved. Behind him a krater above which a lion in vertical position (the head is lost). Above the lion a representation of Mithras' rockbirth; the god holds a torch in his uplifted l.h., his other hand is missing.

In the l. upper corner the bust of Sol in long hair is visible. Underneath it Mithras riding the bull; the hindmost part of the animal is lost.

In the lower part of the relief from l. to r.:

1) Standing Mithras puts a horn on Sol's head with his r.h., Sol is kneeling before him.

2) Sol and Mithras reclining behind a table with food on it. Sol holds a rhyton in the uplifted r.h. and has traces of red painting.

3) Mithras ascends Sol's chariot. The latter's head is lost.

4) Reclining bearded person with uncovered breast (Oceanus). He leans on a vase from which water pours forth. He raises up his r.h. and he holds a long object in his l.h. (a reed or an oar).

Kiraly mentions traces of painting on the l. torchbearer, but does not state the colour (probably red).