Mithraic vessel of Mainz

TNMM 235

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, showing certain movements or even sequences from the initiation ritual. Although many of the figures and scenes are represented on reliefs, the Ballplatz vessel is unique, because it represents also movements and an outstanding lived religious experience of the worshipers.

This vessel is approximately 40 cm high, 27 cm in diameter (upper rim) and dated to between 120-150 AD.

This fine ceramic cult vessel comes from a mithraeum uncovered in the city of Mainz. A serpent climbs up one of the handles and a raven stands on the rim. A dedication to Mithras Invincible by a certain Quintus is painted on the interior of the vessel. The body bears an original decoration that has been the subject of numerous interpretations. On one side, a Father playing the role of Mithras draws a bow before two figures, who may be an aspirant to initiation (Raven) and a fully initiated adept (Lion). On the other side, four additional figures walk one behind the other. One of them, equipped with a whip, may play the role of the Sun. These two scenes remain highly enigmatic.

Cult vessels in Mithraic temples

In addition to drinking and eating vessels used for ritual meals by the Mithraic community, decorated cult vessels have also been found in the temples.

A particularly special example was produced by potters in Frankfurt am Main–Nied as a votive offering for a certain Quintus Ca… from Mainz. The double-conical vessel is decorated with a sculpted serpent, a sculpted raven, and seven figures painted using slip decoration.

The scenes depicted represent rituals that had not previously been attested anywhere.

The group of three

The seated, bearded man in Persian dress draws a bow and aims an arrow at a naked man with raised hands. Behind him stands a bearded man in a tunic who has raised his right hand with three fingers extended.

This is an initiation, in which the naked mystes is first placed in a state of symbolic death. Afterwards the mystagogue (attendant) appears behind him in order to recite a text and, after the consecration performed by the priest, to hand him a cup. The figures represent the Pater, the Corax, and probably the Leo.

The group of four

In a solemn procession, four further representatives of initiation grades move towards the left. The Miles can be recognised by his breastplate and belt; the Perses wears a pleated, trouser-like garment and carries a magic staff and a Persian cap; the Heliodromos is equipped with a whip and a radiate crown. The last figure in the sequence is probably the Nymphus, holding a raised torch.

This scene is probably to be understood as the “Procession of the Heliodromos”, through which the course of the sun through the twelve months and the associated doctrine of the fate of souls were conveyed.

From these representations it can be inferred that the followers of Mithras celebrated specific rituals in clothing appropriate to their respective initiation grade.

The Mainz krater belongs among the most important testimonies of the Mithraic cult in the Roman Empire.