The temple of Mithras

What was Mithraism?

Mithras was originally the god of heavenly light. He slayed a bull, from whose blood flowed eternal life. The cult of Mithras came to the Roman world from Persia and the eastern Mediterranean. The cult was organised as a secret society for men only, with seven grades of attainment. Popular with the army, Mithraism demanded honesty, purity and courage from its followers.

The Mithraeum

In about AD 240 the Mithraeum was built on the east bank of the Walbrook stream. Various alterations were made during its 100 years of existence, due to the rising water level of the nearby stream. During the 4th century, the finest sculptures were buried under the temple floor. Before concealment, the head of Mithras had already been damaged, broken into two pieces, probably with an axe. It is unknown whether they were buried by Mithraists for protection or by later worshippers out of respect for a past religion.

Photo of a marble carving of the head of MithrasPhoto of a marble carving of the head of Serapis

The temple treasures

The temple was richly adorned with statues. As these examples show, some related specifically to the cult of Mithras, others to eastern or Graeco-Roman religions more generally.

  • Head of Mithras: Depicted as a handsome youth, Mithras wears a distinctive type of 'Phrygian' cap. The head probably formed part of a life-size bull-slaying scene that stood in the temple. Mithras's eyes are turned away from the actual deed of slaying the bull.

  • Head of Serapis: Serapis, Egyptian god of the Underworld, carries a corn measure ('modius') on his head which symbolises the wealth and fertility of the earth.

  • Photo of a marble carving of the Mercury group Mercury group: Mercury, who guided the dead from earth to paradise, is seated on a rock. He holds a money-bag - because he was also the patron of commerce - and is accompanied by a ram and tortoise. The ram is a symbol of fertility, while tortoises, whose shells were used to make lyres, may illustrate the eternal happiness of the afterlife promised by Mithraism

Description of image(s) on this page

Top left: Head of Mithras. Marble, carved about AD 180Ð220.
Top right: Head of Serapis. Marble, carved in the 2nd to early 3rd century.
Bottom: Mercury group. Marble, carved in the 2nd century.

 

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