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Monumentum

Petrogeny with a sheaf of wheat of Cologne

In this relief of the rock birth of Mithras, the child sun god holds a bundle of wheat in his left hand instead of the usual torch.
Petrogeny relief of Cologne

Petrogeny relief of Cologne
Carole Raddato 

 
The New Mithraeum
7 Nov 2023

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This 3rd century relief depicting the birth of Mithras, now in the Römisch-Germanisches Museum in Cologne was found in 1969 in the Mithraeum II at the historical site of Colonia Agrippina. The relief differs from the conventional depiction of Mithras; whereas he is usually shown emerging from a rock holding a dagger and torch, this relief uniquely depicts him holding a sheaf of wheat in his left hand, while retaining the traditional dagger in his right.

Related monuments

Mithräum II von Köln

A second Mithraeum was found in Cologne described by R. L. Grodon as of ’small importance’.

Inscription to Mithras by Claudius Romanius from Köln

Votive inscription dedicated to Mithras by the veteran soldier Tiberius Claudius Romanius, from the Mithraeum II Köln, 3rd century.