Three-part tauroctony from Serdica

TNMM 2028 ↔ CIMRM 2325

Marble relief (H. 0.24 Br. 0.26 D. 0.025) in two fragments. It has not yet been clearly established that the monument was found at Sofia. Sofia, National Museum.

Kazarow in BSAB 1911, 56f No. 7 and fig. 7. See fig. 645.

The weathered, arched relief is divided into three parts. In the centre the representation of Mithras as a bullkiller. The serpent is creeping over the ground; the dog leaps up against the bull; other animals are not visible. On either side a torchbearer standing cross-legged. Of the l. one only the legs are preserved; of the r. one the torch is so lost that it is not clear where Cautes and where Cautopates were represented. The busts of Sol (l) and of Luna (r) in the upper corners.

In the upper part of the relief a row of altars and beside it the scene of Mithras being born from the rock with upraised hands.

In the lower part from l. to r.:

1) Damaged beyond recognition.

2) Sol kneeling before Mithras in a grotto.

3) In a grotto Mithras and Sol at the repast.

4) No longer recognizable.