The New Mithraeum Database

The Mithraeum of Lucretius Menander was installed in the early 3rd century in an alley to the east of a Hadrianic building named after the solar god temple.

The Mithraeum of Caernarfon, in Walles, was built in three phases during the 3rd century, and destroyed at the end of the 4th.

The name of the Mithraeum of the Seven Gates refers to the doors depicted in the mosaic that decorates the floor, symbolising the seven planets through which the souls of the initiates have to pass.

Between the 1st and 4th centuries, Mithraism developed throughout the Roman world. Much material exists, but textual evidence is scarce. The only ancient work that fills this gap is Porphyry’s intense and complex essay.

Twelve centuries separate the decline of Roman Mithraism from the dawn of Freemasonry. Twelve centuries during which the mysteries of Mithras have remained more secret than ever.

The ruins of the Mithraeum of Savaria are kept under a new plaza.

About the next two monuments, no further data are known (cf. MMM II 485 No. 78c, bis): 1) In Palazzo Barberini (Zoega, Abh., 148 No.8).

Small bronze figure (H. 0.11), which served as a handle of a patera (Zoega) or a knife (Lajard).

Large limestone stele with an inscription on three sides.

A limestone lion holding a flowing urn, discovered at the entrance of the Mithraeum of Les Bolards, reflects the ritual significance of water within the cult of Mithras.

This monument representing Cautes with uncrossed legs was consecrated by a certain Anttiocus.

Fragment of limestone from Porêts, which was used in the 4th century.

Mouth of a fountain (H. 0.10 Br. 0.09) and a square spout and other fragments of round spouts.

Fragments of a bronze vase (H. 0.07) with two ears, one of which is broken off.

Two fragments of a bronze statuette.

Cylindrical bronze peg (diam. 0.18) with a lion's head in the middle.

Bronze statuette (H. 0.12 Br. 0.17) with the representation of a lion with opened mouth, in which is a hole, connecting with another hole, made in the stomach.

Bronze statuette (H. 0.18), representing a standing, naked youth, wearing a necklace and with outstretched hands.

Two bronze statuettes (H. 0.24-0.20).

Small round bronze slab (H. 0.20 Br. 0.19) with Medusa-head, the serpents of which are knotted together below her chin.