The Mithraic evidence documented in Samnium illustrates the diffusion of cults through inland Italy and the communication routes connecting the Apennines to the wider Roman world. The province formed part of the broader Italian landscape in which Mithraic communities developed.
Mithraic monuments of Samnium
Tauroctony from Nesce
The relief of Mithras slaying the bull of Nersae includes several episodes from the exploits of the solar god.
CIMRM 650
Inscription of Apronianus of Nesce
The dedicator of this monument is also known for having made a tauroctonic relief in Nesce.
CIMRM 648
Inscription of Apronianus to the res publica of the Aequiculi
This inscription to Mithras Invencible was dedicated by a certain Apronianus in 172 is currently lost.
CIMRM 647
CIMRM 649
Besides these inscriptions Martelli (Antichita dei Sicoli II 1835, 162 No. 11) mentions an "Altra iscrizione scheggiata esiste in nostra casa insieme colla statua bipedale del Sole mancante di testa, braccia e piedi, rna di rara scultura anti- chissima" .
CIMRM 649
Brothers active in Samnium
Places in Samnium
Nersae
Pescorocchiano is a comune in the Province of Rieti in the Italian region of Latium, located about 60 kilometres northeast of Rome and about 30 kilometres southeast of Rieti. Pescorocchiano borders the following municipalities: Borgorose, Carsoli
Peltuinum
Peltuinum was a Roman town of the Vestini on the Via Claudia Nova, founded in the mid-1st century BC. It developed into a regional centre with city walls, a sanctuary, a theatre and an amphitheatre, and was monumentalised in the early Imperial period
Inscriptions from Samnium
Tauroctony from Nesce
Inscription of Apronianus of Nesce
Inscription of Apronianus to the res publica of the Aequiculi
References
- Bricault; Roy (2021) Les cultes de Mithra dans l'Empire Romain
- Vittoria Canciani (2022) Archaeological Evidence of the Cult of Mithras in Ancient Italy
