Monumentum
Mithraic vessel of Mainz
The Mithraic vase from Ballplatz in Mainz depicts seven figures arranged in two narrative sequences, commonly interpreted in relation to initiation rites.
The Mithraic vessel of Metz
The New Mithraeum / Jona Lendering (CC BY-SA)
Mithraic vessel of Metz. Archer side.
The New Mithraeum / Jona Lendering (CC BY-SA)
Mithraic vessel of Metz - Procession of the Sun-runner side.
The New Mithraeum / Jona Lendering (CC BY-SA)
The New Mithraeum
31 Dec 2020
Updated on Jan 2026
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,
This…
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,
This…
The full article is reserved for our members.
Log in or create a free account to access the entire site.
