Biography
of Hermes
- Hermes, a slave, is attested as a member of a Mithraic community (syndexios) at the Mitreo della Planta Pedis.
- Attested at Ostia, Latium, Italia in late 2nd – early 3rd century (TNMM 626).
TNMP 246
Hermes is known from a small marble inscription found in the Mithraeum of the Planta Pedis at Ostia. Identified as the slave of Marcus Iulius Eunicus, he dedicated a plaque to Silvanus Sanctus, a deity frequently associated with Mithraic contexts in Ostia. Although nothing else is known about his life, the monument provides evidence that enslaved individuals could participate in the religious activities of Mithraic communities.
References
Attestations
Inscription of Hermes to Silvanus
TNMM 626
This inscription, found in the Mitreo della Planta Pedis, among some other monuments in Ostia, suggests a link between Mithras and Silvanus.
Silvano / sancto / sacrum / Hermes / M. Iuli Eunici.
Dedicated to the sacred Silvanus, Hermes, [slave] of Marcus Iulius Eunicus.
Mitreo della Planta Pedis
TNMM 94
The floor of the central aisle of the Mithraeum of the Footprint in Ostia has a mosaic depicting a snake and a footprint.
