Multi-register tauroctony relief from Niederbiber

TNMM 2150 ↔ CIMRM 1036

Fragment of a marble relief (H. 0.12 Br. 0.11). Found at Niederbiber near Neuwied. Probably in the collection of the Fürst von Wied in Neuwied.

Dorow, Alt. Neuwied II, 139 and Pl. XIII, 4; MMM II 385 No. 260 and fig. 298; BJ 133, 1928, 282; Le Roy Campbell in Berytus XI, 1954, 50 No. 275.

The relief is divided into two parts by a horizontal rim. In the upper part is the usual representation of Mithras as a bullkiller. Only the god's r. arm and knee are preserved. The serpent holds its head near the wound. In front of the bull standing Cautes, cross-legged, with upraised torch. Above his head Mithras with upraised arms is being born from the rock. Next to him a small part of Luna.

The lower part of the relief has three representations, separated by vertical rims. From l. to r.:

1) One head is preserved (standing Mithras before Sol?).

2) Mithras and Sol at the sacred repast.

3) The breast and the head of a standing person (Mithras ascending Sol's car).

The whole relief has the form of a stele.