Gaius Rufius Euctatus
Pater Patrum at Vieu (Valromey)
Incrition of Caius Rufius Virilis
The New Mithraeum / Andreu Abuín (CC BY-NC-SA)
Biography
of Gaius Rufius Euctatus
- Gaius Rufius Euctatus was a Pater of the Mithréum de Valromey.
- Active early 3rd century in Venetonimagus, Lugdunensis (Gallia).
- He was a Physician.
TNMP 50
Gaius Rufius Euctatus is one of the few Patres Patrum recorded in the western provinces. This title, honorific or hierarchical, is primarily known at Rome and Ostia, where it is notably borne by senators (viri clarissimi). It perhaps implies that its bearer held authority either over several sanctuaries or several Fathers at a single Mithraeum. The Father of Fathers at Vieu, Caius Rufius Euctatus, was a physician by profession, as is indicated by a double epitaph, dated to the 3rd century and found in the same urban area, that was inscribed at the initiative of his wife Caesiccia lanuaria, who, like him, was a Roman citizen.
References
- Bricault, Veymers, Amoroso et al. (2021) The Mystery of Mithras. Exploring the heart of a Roman cult
Mentions
Altar of Vieu
TNMM 456
This altar was dedicated by a son to his father, one of the few Patres Patrum recorded in the western provinces.
Mithréum de Valromey
TNMM 295
This temple of Mithras has been discovered under the Church in Vieux-en-Val-Romey, in 1869.