Mithraic vessel of Mainz

One of the most outstanding discoveries related to the religious experience within a mithraeum was discovered in Ballplatz, Mainz. First published in 1994 by Günter Horn, the importance of the find was highlighted only a year later by R. Merkelbach, doyen of the Mithraic studies at that time. The vessel and the context was published in details by I. Huld-Zetsche in 2008 in a monograph.

The importance of the find lies in the reliefs of the vessel, representing seven figures, symbols of the initiation grades. The figures are presented in a very delicate, expressive way…