Monumentum

Altar with Mithras rock-birth of Nida

The Mithraic stele from Nida depicts the Mithras Petrogenesis and the gods Cautes, Cautopates, Heaven and Ocean.
 
 
PublishedThe New Mithraeum
13 Jan 2022
Updated on 29 Jan 2022
 
  • Front view of Petrogenesis altar of Nida

    Front view of Petrogenesis altar of Nida
    The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-SA) 

  • Right side of Petrogenesis altar of Nida

    Right side of Petrogenesis altar of Nida
    The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-SA) 

  • Right side of Petrogenesis altar of Nida

    Right side of Petrogenesis altar of Nida
    The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-SA) 

  • Eagle on the right side of the altar of Nida

    Eagle on the right side of the altar of Nida
    The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-SA) 

 

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Stele in basalt (H. 0.94 Br. 0.30 D. 0.22) found in the centre of the cella.

The stele is decorated on three sides with reliefs; the back is partially rough. The reliefs are divided into two parts by a horizontal rim.

A

The front has the form of an aedicola. In a niche with two Corinthian columns is the representation of Mithras' rockbirth. In his upraised hands a torch (l.h.) and a knife (r.h.); no Phrygian cap. The pediment has on its cornice an inscription, which is continued on the horizontal rim and on the pedestal. In the pediment a leaf ornament.
 
 

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Mithraea of Heddernheim

Since 1826, four mithraea have been found at Nida-Heddernheim.

Tauroctony from the Mithräum von Heddernheim

This relief is so well-known that it has been reproduced in nearly every handbook of archaeology and of history of religions.

Aion of Hedderneheim

The lion-headed statue of Hedderneheim is a reconstruction from fragments of two different sculptures.

Aion from Nida

This lion-headed figure from Nida, present-day Frankfurt-Heddernheim, holds a key and a shovel in his hands.

 

Key of Mithraeum III at Nida

The key of Nida's Mithraeum III was decorated with a lion's head.

Tauroctony from the Mithraeum III of Nida

The relief of Mithras slaying the bull from Nida's Mithraeum III was found in two pieces in 1887, destroyed during an air raid on Frankfurt in 1944, and restored in 1986.

Cautes and Cautopates from Mithraeum III of Heddernheim

The two companions of Mithras carry a torch and a shepherd's staff at the third Mithraeum in Frankfurt-Heddernheim, formerly Nida.

 

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