Mithraic vignettes from Ptuj

TNMM 680 ↔ CIMRM 1510

Fragments of the greater marble cult-relief.

The relief represented Mithras as a bull-killer, as small remnants of Mithras’ flying cloak and a fragment (inv. No. 145) of his dressed thigh (H. 0.19) were found again. Two other fragments of the grotto seem to belong to the same relief.

The insides of two fragments which are grotto-like show four scenes and form parts of the r. side of the relief.

The greater part (Inv. No. 166; H. 0.55 Br. 0.24 D. 0.05) shows from bottom to top:

1) The upper parts of standing Mithras in Oriental dress and of Sol. They seem to cross swords or torches over an altar.
2) Three cypresses with heads in Phrygian caps emerging from them.
3) Mithras in Oriental dress is kneeling. He rests his l.h. on the ground, whereas he stretches out his r.h. upwards and backwards (Mithras-Atlas).

The minor fragment (H. 0.28 Br. 0.22) shows above a horizontal rim a person in Oriental dress walking to the r. (Mithras ascending Sol’s chariot or water-miracle).

Other fragments of this relief are parts of the creeping serpent and a foot of Mithras (H. 0.10 Br. 0.30). Abramic, 83 No. 87 mentions a piece in which Jupiter is represented fighting the Giants. I did not find it back.

Part of the upper border of the relief is also mentioned, showing in its centre a standing Aion surrounded by a serpent. Under it a reclining god with a velum above his head (Caelus). This fragment also seems to have got lost.