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Jesus or Mithras? by Dr. Reza Assasi - ACSF 2023 - New York City
Mithraic Influence on Early Christian Symbolism and Church – Architecture
Reza Assasi
8 Nov 2024
Mithras, an ancient Persian god known as Mithra in the east, was associated with astrological time and represented through an anthropomorphized star map. The author posits that the original concept of Mithras in the East was inspired by the astronomical phenomenon known as the precession of the equinoxes. Over time, this concept developed into a mystery cult during the Roman era. Interestingly, Mithraic cosmology appears to have influenced the architectural design of Roman Mithraea, which might have continued as an early Christian understanding of sacred worship spaces.
The architecture of a Mithraeum features a unique and stable design, commonly resembling a basilica-type, vaulted, cave-like dark chamber with a tauroctony portrayed at one end. This portrayal of the bull-slaying scene and the arch above it representing the zodiac or celestial clouds aligned with the vault holds astronomical significance, possibly referring to the north ecliptic pole. The author argues that these symbolic figures represent important astronomical references in Mithraic iconography and mythology, possibly forming a Mithraic constellation related to the geocentric understanding of axial precession around the ecliptic pole.
The vaulted shape of Roman Mithraea, seen in connection with the Mithraic tauroctony scene, is suggested to symbolically represent the cosmos revolving around the north ecliptic pole.
Drawing upon extensive research on Roman Mithraism, the author proposes that the cosmology of this ancient cult had a profound influence, and to some extent, shaped early Christian mythology, symbolism, and architecture. This study relies on a comparative analysis of Roman Mithraic artifacts and architecture, exploring their relation to early Christian symbolism and architectural concepts. Additionally, the author delves into astronomical models to better understand Mithraic iconography and conducts a historical examination of Mithraic mythology and its origins in the East.
About the presenter: Dr. Reza Assasi holds a Ph.D. in Architecture History and Theory from McGill University in Canada. He is an accomplished Architect, Educator, and Archaeoastronomer.
About ACSF: The Architecture, Culture, and Spirituality Forum (ACSF) is a unique organization dedicated to exploring the spiritual dimensions of the built environment. With a multidisciplinary and international community of scholars, educators, and practitioners from various faith traditions and disciplines, ACSF aims to utilize the design and experience of the built environment to foster spiritual development and address global challenges, including cultural sustainability, social justice, and well-being. Since its establishment in 2007, ACSF has organized scholarly conferences, provided online resources, and published peer-reviewed works in its subject areas, making a valuable contribution to this field.
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