Biography
of Callimorphus
- Callimorphus is attested as a member of a Mithraic community (syndexios).
- Attested in Caesarea, Cappadocia in late 2nd – early 3rd century (TNMM 35).
TNMP 196
Callimorphus, from Cesarea in Cappadocia, is known from the discovery of a Latin inscription on a column in 1888. He was the treasurer (arkarius) of the emperors’ domains. According to this inscription, Callimorphus dedicated a statue or bust of the sun god to Sol Invictus Mithras, made for the salvation of Chresimus, an imperial slave and administrator of the same domains where he served. The period probably corresponds to the joint reign of Septimius Severus and Caracalla.
—Andreu Abuín, 2023.
Attestations
Column of Callimorphus
TNMM 35
Callimorphus dedicated this image of the sun god to the invincible sun ’Mythra’.
Solem / Soli invicto / Mythrae / pro salute et incolu/mitate / Chresimi Aug[ustorum] / n[ostrorum] dispensatoris / Callimorphus arkar/ius eiusdem / votum solvit / libens animo.
To the Sun, the Unconquered Sun Mithras. For the health and safety of Chresimus, dispenser of our Emperors, Callimorphus, his treasurer, gladly and willingly fulfilled his vow.
