Tauroctony/Repast of Castra Pretoria

TNMM 651 ↔ CIMRM 397

Fragment of a white marble relief (H. 0.20 Br. 0.155 D. 0.04), found in the Castra Pretoria. Mannheim, Schlossmuseum.

The obverse shows the representation of Mithras slaying the bull. Only a part of the flying cloak and a fragment of the tunic have been preserved. His foot stands on the hoof of the bull, whose tail ends in ears. The scorpion is at the testicles.

The reverse shows the scene of a repast. Visible is the upper part of Mithras’ body, who reclines at table, leaning on his l. elbow. In his r. h. he has a drinking-horn, while before him on a tripod a plate with food (loaves). In the r. corner of the bed a bull’s head, under it a sitting dog. On the right side stands Cautopates, whose head got lost, pointing his torch downwards. To him corresponded probably Cautes on the other side.

Remarkable is the person, who is disguised with the mask of a raven and is dressed in a short cloak. He is walking towards one of the fellow-guests in order to hand him a cup (Report thinks of a spit with piece of meat).