Mosaic floor from the Mitreo delle Sette Porte

TNMM 937 ↔ CIMRM 288

The mosaic paved floor of the central aisle shows different figures:

1) On the threshold a large central arch formed by two pilasters; this main arch, from which hangs an oscillum is flanked by three minor arches on either side (seven spheres of the planets) (Becatti, Pl. XIX).

2) Before the basin: a krater, decorated with leaves and on its right side a serpent issuing from a rock; it holds its head above the rim of the krater. On the left side an eagle seated upon a thunderbolt (Becatti, Pl. XX, 3).

3) Behind the basin: standing bearded Jupiter holding sceptre (l.h.) and lightning (r.h.), dressed in a long cloak, which does not cover his breast. Above him the bearded head and bust of Saturn in velum and a falx (Becatti, Pl. XXI, 3).

4) The front side and the ledges of the side benches are decorated with fine curled tendrils emerging from a bush of acanthus; at the beginning of the podia near the entrance are the figures of the two torchbearers (Becatti, Pl. XX) standing on a base, cross-legged (only the lower part preserved).

5) On the right podium next to the torchbearer, a standing Mars in short tunic holding a lance in his r.h. and a trophy with armour against his l. shoulder (Becatti, Pl. XXI, 1).

6) Next to the small niche: standing Luna with crescent on her head, with both hands holding an outblowing velum above her head (Becatti, Pl. XXI, 4).

7) On the left podium next to the torchbearer: standing nude Venus (Becatti, Pl. XXI, 2).

8) Next to the small niche standing nude Mercurius with tunic over his l. arm; he holds a purse (r.h.) and a caduceus (l.h.).