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Monumentum

Two tuff altars with jug decoration from the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

Two small tuff altars walled into the corners of the benches, each bearing a representation of a jug, from the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere at Ostia.
 
The New Mithraeum
Updated on May 2026
Two small altars, walled in the corners of the benches, with a representation of a jug (Becatti, Pl. VII).The Mithraeum described now bears the name of "Mitreo delle sette sfere". As most of the Ostian Mithraea, this sanctuary is not underground. Here the general rule had to be deviated from, because underground spelea in this port on the Tiber stood a great chance of being flooded during the winterseason.To this sanctuary may also belong the monuments Nos 245–249.

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Related monuments

Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

The Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres (Sette Sfere) is of great importance for the understanding of the cult, because of its black-and-white mosaics depicting the planets, the zodiac and related elements.

Tauroctony from the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

The relief of Mithras slaying the bull from the Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres was discovered in 1802 by Petirini by order of Pope Pius VII.

Inscription found in the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

As this short inscription indicates, Aemilio Epaphorodito was both Pater and priest of the Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres.

Inscription of Tellius Agatho in Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

This inscription found in the Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres mentions the Pater Marco Aemiliio Epaphrodito known from other monuments in Ostia.

 

Mosaic of Sette Sfere

The floor mosaic of the Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres, which gives its name to the temple, depicts a dagger.

Mosaic of Cautes and Cautopates in the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

At the entrance to the Mithraeum of the Seven Sferes, Cautopates holds the torch with both hands and Cautes holds the torch in his right hand and a cock in his left.

Bench mosaics of the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

Diana-Luna, Mercurius, Jupiter, Saturn, Venus and Mars are depicted in the mosaics on the benches of this mithraeuma.

Zodiac signs on the Mitreo delle Sette Sfere

The rich mosaics of the Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres include the the signs of the Zodiac.

 
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