Biography
of Nicephoros
- Nicephoros is attested as a Leo at the Mitreo di Santa Prisca.
- Attested at Roma, Latium, Italia in 4th quarter of 2nd century (TNMM 498).
TNMP 126
Nicephoros is one of the Leones named in the procession fresco on the right-hand wall of the Mithraeum of Santa Prisca in Rome. He is shown carrying a krater in both hands, with the acclamation NAMA NICEFORO LEONI painted above him. Immediately behind him comes another Leo, Theodoros, driving a pig before him (TNMM 498; Vermaseren 1956, CIMRM 481).
Vermaseren interpreted the scene as a representation of the suovetaurilia and suggested that Nicephoros’ vessel may have contained wine or served to collect the bull’s blood after the ritual killing (Vermaseren 1963, pp. 49–50). He associated the fresco with the renovation of the sanctuary around 220 CE.
Nicephoros belongs to an unusually prominent group of Leones represented and named in the upper frescoes of Santa Prisca. Their strong presence has played an important role in discussions of the status of Leo within the Mithraic grade system.
References
- Maarten Vermaseren (1963) Mithra, ce dieu mystérieux.
- Official site. Parrocchia di Santa Prisca all'Aventino.
- Raffaella (2018) Roma: i sotterranei e il Mitreo di S.Prisca - I Viaggi di Raffaella.
Attestations
Frescoes of lions at Santa Prisca
TNMM 498
Procession of Leones carrying animals, bread, a krater, and other objects in preparation for a feast.
Nama Hel[io]doro leoni; Nama Gelasio leoni; Nama Phoebo leoni.
Tribute to Heliodoros, Lion; Tribute to Gelasios, Lion; Tribute to Poebus, Lion.
Mitreo di Santa Prisca
TNMM 12
The Mithraeum of Santa Prisca houses remarkable frescoes showing the initiates in procession.
