Re-interpreting the Mysteries of Mithras
Ernest Renan suggested that without the rise of Christianity, we might all have embraced the cult of Mithras. Nevertheless, it has had a lasting influence on secret societies, religious movements and popular culture.
Notitiae
News and articles
from The New Mithraeum
The MITHRA Project
Laurent Bricault has revolutionised Mithraic studies with the exhibition The Mystery of Mithras. Meet this professor in Toulouse for a fascinating look at the latest discoveries and what lies ahead.
The Father of Mithras
It is well known that Mithras was born from a rock. However, less has been written about the father of the solar god, and especially about how he conceived him.
Mithras in Hispania
On the occasion of the discovery of a Mithraeum in Cabra, Spain, we talk to Jaime Alvar, a leading figure in the field of Mithraism. With him, we examine the testimonies known to date and the peculiarities of the cult of Mithras in Hispania.
Let’s talk about Mithras with Yolanda De Iuliis
Yolanda’s multimedia dissertation focuses on the cognitive mechanisms that motivate Mithras worshippers. Her work includes a podcast entitled Conversations about Mithras.
Introductio
Press clips
A new mithraeum discovered during excavation in Trier
A place of worship for the Roman god of light Mithras was discovered during archaeological excavations in Trier. This includes a larger relief.
Hallan en el yacimiento romano de Cabra (Córdoba) un lugar de culto al dios Mithra
Las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en el yacimiento arqueológico romano de la villa de Mithra, en Cabra (Córdoba), han deparado el excepcional hallazgo de un mitreo, o zona destinada al culto al dios Mithra, cuya estatua fue descubierta hace unos 70 años.
Agencia
Call for PhD students and post-doctoral fellows specialising in Mithras
On the occasion of the exhibition, the Royal Museum of Mariemont invites five experts from Europe to emulate the research on the cult of Mithras.
Before MAGA: Mithras, Phrygian Caps, and the Politics of Headwear
Despite the current political landscape of the US, we can look to antiquity to see that the red cap was actually once a symbol of citizenship and welcome to the foreigner.
Sarah E. Bond
Los dioses de Egipto y Persia que los romanos honraron en Lucus Augusti
La Domus de Mitreo y el Centro Arqueolóxico de San Roque muestran otra cara del viejo Lugo
Lorena García Calvo
Some places to visit
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Mithraeum of Sidon
The Mithraeum of Sidon may have escaped destruction because the Mithras worshippers walled up the entrance to the underground sanctuary.
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Mithraeum of Sárkeszi
The Sárkeszi mithraeum is unusual for its large dimensions and its semicircular eastern wall.
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Mitreo Sacellum delle Tre Navate
The Mithraeum in the Chapel of the Three Naves was not linked to the cult of Mithras until recently because of a mosaic showing a pig, in the belief that it was an animal unfit for consumption in a temple of Eastern origin.
Mithraic art and artefacts
Roman Marble Relief Panel with Birth of Mithras
Plaque of Milan by Ulbius Gaianus
Iron sword and crown of Güglingen
Submission scene from Barberini
Mithras with the bow
Relief of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva
Tauroctony of Ottaviano Zeno
Fragments of a column base from Hamadan
Altar to Mithras at the Walters Art Museum
Sententia
Guest insights
The sculpture was found, according to its discoverer, next to the western wall that delimits the imp…
I am a devotee of Mithras Thank you for this interview. I think the author is right when he highligh…
I’m not sure why the rock birth isn’t on show in the museum. I assume the Victorinus altar is …
No, I think it's not fun, but really superstition. The Romans all wore amulets, often with a phallus…
It makes perfect sense. My hesitation would lie in the time gap that separates Mithraism and Freemas…
En effet, des très belles œuvres de l'Antiquité à découvrir à la BnF.
Hoşgeldin nebuch :)
Dear Veronica, as a woman you cannot attend the ceremonies in the mithraeum. But you can help prepar…
Thank you for noticing, Ron. The Syrian location mentioned before referred to the original Roman Pro…
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