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Monumentum

A man is initiated into the Mysteries of Mithras

This is the first of several fresco scenes depicting the initiation of a new member in a mithraic community, in Capua Vetere.
Scene of the initiation into the Mithras cult.

Scene of the initiation into the Mithras cult.
CIMRM 

 
 
The New Mithraeum
29 May 2021
Updated on Oct 2022
 

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In the panel I (W. 1.17 m) of the right bench near the entrance a naked man (his body is colored red) is walking in the direction of the cult-niche. He is being pushed forwards by a much taller person who wears a short white tunic and a shoulder cape with red stripes. His height expresses his greater importance as mystagogue. Since he seems to have a small pointed beard he may be either the Pater (a cap however is not visible) or an initiate of a lower grade. The mists however has a blindfold over his eyes and he is therefore groping forwards with outstretched hands. He is naked and helpless

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