The Mithraic material associated with the Bosporan Kingdom reflects the region’s position between the Black Sea, the Greek world and the Eurasian frontier zones. Although comparatively limited, the evidence contributes to understanding the northern circulation of Mithraic and related religious practices beyond the central Roman provinces.
Mithraic monuments of Regnum Bospori
Two Mithras-Attis terracotta from Kerch
Terracotta tablets depicting a Taurombolium by Attis which might be at the origins of the mithraic Tauroctony iconography.
CIMRM 11
Mithraeum of Crimea
The site of Ay-Todor in Crimea revealed a Roman camp, a temple with votive offerings, and a Mithraeum.
CIMRM 10
Relief fragment with Cautopates from Aïtodor
Corner fragment preserving the feet and lowered torch of the Mithraic torchbearer Cautopates.
CIMRM 10E
Relief fragment with Sol and Cautopates from Aïtodor
Only the left section survives, showing Sol above the torchbearer Cautopates beside the cave border.
CIMRM 10B
Relief of Mithras and Cautes from Aïtodor
Small surviving fragment depicting Mithras as bull-slayer together with the torchbearer Cautes.
CIMRM 10D
Tauroctony fragment from Aïtodor
Scene from a bull-slaying relief preserving the dagger of Mithras, the dog and the raised torch of Cautes.
CIMRM 10C
Tauroctony relief from Aïtodor
Fragmentary tauroctony preserving Mithras, the torchbearers, Sol and Luna from the sanctuary at Aïtodor.
CIMRM 10A
Provinces of Regnum Bospori
Chersonesus
Chersonesus occupied a northern Black Sea position where Greek, Roman and frontier cultures intersected at the edges of the Mithraic world.
Places in Regnum Bospori
Ai-Todor
Roman military and religious settlement in Chersonesus Taurica occupied between the 1st and 4th centuries CE, associated with the castellum of Characis.
Panticapaeum
Panticapaeum was an ancient Greek city on the eastern shore of Crimea, which the Greeks called Taurica.
References
- Philippe Roy (2021) Les cultes de Mithra dans l’Empire romain
