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{{short description|Mithraic temple in classical antiquity}}
[[Image:Ostia Antica Mithraeum.jpg|thumb|A mithraeum found in the ruins of [[Ostia Antica]], Italy]]
[[File:MPO mithras-heiligdom.jpg|thumb|How a modern history theme park imagines a mithraeum: [[Museum Orientalis]] in the Netherlands]]
[[Image:Ostia Antica Mithraeum.jpg|thumb|A Mithraeum found in the ruins of [[Ostia Antica]], Italy]]
[[File:Muzej Boga Mitre Jajce.jpg|thumb|right|Mithraeum in [[Jajce Mithraeum|Jajce]] renowned as one of the best preserved [[in-situ]] in Europe]]
[[File:Saalburgmuseum Funde Mithraeum Stockstadt.jpg|thumb|Finds from a mithraeum in Stockstadt, Germany]]
[[File:Mithrasgrotte Halberg Saarbruecken.jpg|thumb|A mithraeum found in the German city of [[Saarbrücken]]]]
[[File:MPO mithras-heiligdom.jpg|thumb|How a modern history theme park imagines a Mithraeum: [[Museum Orientalis]] in the Netherlands]]
[[File:Rom, San Clemente, Mithraeum.jpg|thumb|Mithraeum in the lowest floor in the [[Basilica of San Clemente]] in [[Rome]]]]
[[File:Saalburgmuseum Funde Mithraeum Stockstadt.jpg|thumb|Finds from a Mithraeum in Stockstadt, Germany]]
[[File:Mithrasgrotte Halberg Saarbruecken.jpg|thumb|A Mithraeum found in the German city of [[Saarbrücken]]]]
⚫
A '''Mithraeum''' {{nowrap|(Latin {{abbr|pl.|Plural}} ''Mithraea'')}}, sometimes spelled '''Mithreum''', is a large or small [[Mithraic Mysteries|Mithraic]] temple, erected in [[classical antiquity]] by the worshippers of [[Mithras]].


⚫
A '''Mithraeum''' {{nowrap|(Latin {{abbr|pl.|Plural}} ''Mithraea'')}}, sometimes spelled '''Mithreum''' and '''Mithraion''' ({{lang-grc|Μιθραίον}}), is a [[Mithraic Mysteries|Mithraic]] temple, erected in [[classical antiquity]] by the worshippers of [[Mithras]]. Most Mithraea can be dated between 100 BC and 300 AD, mostly in the [[Roman Empire]].
⚫
The Mithraeum was either an adapted natural cave or cavern, or a building imitating a cave. When possible, the Mithraeum was constructed within or below an existing building, such as the Mithraeum found beneath [[Basilica di San Clemente|Basilica of San Clemente]] in [[Rome]]. While a majority of Mithraea are underground, some feature open holes in the ceiling to allow some light in, perhaps to relate to the connection of the universe and the passing of time (Reference needed). The site of a Mithraeum may also be identified by its singular entrance or vestibule, which stands opposite from an [[apse]]-shaped wall in which a pedestal altar at the back stood, often in a recess. Also its "cave", called the ''Spelaeum'' or ''Spelunca'', with raised benches along the side walls for the ritual meal. Many mithraea that follow this basic plan are scattered over much of the [[Roman Empire]]'s former territory, particularly where the legions were stationed along the frontiers (such as Britain). Others may be recognized by their characteristic layout, even though converted as [[crypt]]s beneath [[Christianity|Christian]] churches.


⚫
The Mithraeum was either an adapted natural cave or cavern, or a building imitating a cave. Where possible, the Mithraeum was constructed within or below an existing building, such as the Mithraeum found beneath the [[Basilica di San Clemente|Basilica of San Clemente]] in [[Rome]]. While most Mithraea are underground, some feature openings in the ceiling to allow light to enter, a reminder of the connection to the universe and the passage of time. The site of a Mithraeum may also be identified by its singular entrance or vestibule, which stands across from an [[apse]] at the back of which stands an altar on a pedestal, often in a recess, and its "cave", called the ''Spelaeum'' or ''Spelunca'', with raised benches along the side walls for the ritual meal. Many mithraea that follow this basic plan are scattered over much of the [[Roman Empire]]'s former territory, particularly where the legions were stationed along the frontiers (such as Britain). Others may be recognized by their characteristic layout, even though converted into [[crypt]]s beneath [[Christianity|Christian]] churches.
⚫
From the structure of the Mithraea it is possible to surmise that worshippers would have gathered for a common meal along the reclining couches lining the walls.

⚫
:''Finally, the ubiquity of the Mithraeums’ distinctive banqueting benches implies the ubiquity of the cult meal as the ''liturgie ordinaire''.''<ref name="test">Roger Beck, [http://www.jstor.org/stable/300205 "Ritual, Myth, Doctrine, and Initiation in the Mysteries of Mithras: New Evidence from a Cult Vessel"], ''The Journal of Roman Studies'', '''90''' (2000), pp. 145-180</ref>
⚫
From the structure of the Mithraea it is possible to surmise that worshippers would have gathered for a common meal seated on the benches lining the walls.
⚫
The Mithraeum primarily functioned as an area for [[initiation]], in which the soul descends and exits. The Mithraeum itself was arranged as an "image of the universe". It is noticed by some researchers that this movement, especially in the context of mithraic [[iconography]] (see below), seems to stem from the [[neoplatonic]] concept that the "running" of the sun from solstice to solstice is a parallel for the movement of the soul through the universe, from pre-existence, into the body, and then beyond the physical body into an afterlife.

⚫
: Similarly, the Persians call the place a cave where they introduce an initiate to the Mysteries, revealing to him the path by which souls descend and go back again. For Eubulus tells us that [[Zoroaster]] was the first to dedicate a natural cave in honour of [[Mithras]], the creator and father of all… this cave bore for him the image of the cosmos which Mithras had created, and the things which the cave contained, by their proportionate arrangement, provided him with symbols of the elements and climates of the cosmos [trans. Arethusa edition]<ref name="test"/>
⚫
{{blockquote|Finally, the ubiquity of the Mithraeums’ distinctive banqueting benches implies the ubiquity of the cult meal as the ''liturgie ordinaire.''<ref name="test">Roger Beck, [https://www.jstor.org/stable/300205 "Ritual, Myth, Doctrine, and Initiation in the Mysteries of Mithras: New Evidence from a Cult Vessel"], ''The Journal of Roman Studies'', '''90''' (2000), pp. 145-180</ref>}}
Most Mithraea can be dated between 100 B.C. and A.D. 300, mostly in the Roman Empire.

⚫
The Mithraeum primarily functioned as an area for [[initiation]], into which the soul descends and exits. The Mithraeum itself was arranged as an "image of the universe". It is noticed by some researchers that this movement, especially in the context of mithraic [[iconography]] (see below), seems to stem from the [[neoplatonic]] concept that the "running" of the sun from [[solstice]] to solstice is a parallel for the movement of the soul through the universe, from pre-existence, into the body, and then beyond the physical body into an [[afterlife]].

⚫
{{blockquote|Similarly, the Persians call the place a cave where they introduce an initiate to the Mysteries, revealing to him the path by which souls descend and go back again. For Eubulus tells us that [[Zoroaster]] was the first to dedicate a natural cave in honour of [[Mithras]], the creator and father of all… this cave bore for him the image of the [[cosmos]] which Mithras had created, and the things which the cave contained, by their proportionate arrangement, provided him with symbols of the elements and climates of the cosmos [trans. Arethusa edition]<ref name="test"/>}}

⚫
==Notable mithraea==
'''Belgium'''
⚫
* [[Tienen Mithraeum]]


⚫
== Notable mithraea ==
'''Bosnia'''
'''Bosnia'''
* [[Jajce]]
* [[Jajce Mithraeum|Jajce]]
* [[Konjic]]

'''Egypt'''
* Alexandria, Memphis, Oxyrhenchus (papyri evidence) , Hermopolis, and other cities<ref>https://www.mithraeum.eu/quaere.php?cou=eg</ref>


'''France'''
'''France'''
Line 27: Line 38:


'''Germany'''
'''Germany'''
[[File:Polychrome reproduction of the Mithraic banquet scene featuring Mithras and the Sun god banqueting on the hide of the slaughtered bull, dating to 130 AD, Lobdengau-Museum, Ladenburg, Germany (9407906616).jpg|thumb|Polychrome reproduction of the Mithraic banquet scene featuring Mithras and the Sun god banqueting on the hide of the slaughtered bull, dating to 130&nbsp;AD, Lobdengau-Museum, [[Ladenburg]], Germany]]

* [[Cologne]]
* [[Cologne]]
* [[Dieburg]]/[[Darmstadt]]
* [[Dieburg]]/[[Darmstadt]]
* [[Frankfurt]]-[[Heddernheim]]
* [[Frankfurt]]-[[Heddernheim]]
* [[Freiburg im Breisgau]], mithraeum relics from Riegel displayed in Freiburg museum
* [[Freiburg im Breisgau]], mithraeum relics from Riegel displayed in Freiburg museum
* [[Gimmeldingen]], ''Mithras-Heiligtum'' [http://www.gimmeldingen.de/?q=node/6 Gimmeldingen Sehenswertes (German language)]
* [[Gimmeldingen]], ''Mithras-Heiligtum'' [http://www.gimmeldingen.de/?q=node/6 Gimmeldingen Sehenswertes (German language)]
* [[Güglingen]]
* [[Güglingen]]
* [[Hanau]]
* [[Hanau]]
* [[Heidelberg]], [[Kurpfälzisches Museum]]
* [[Heidelberg]], [[Kurpfälzisches Museum]]
* [[Königsbrunn]] (near [[Augsburg]])
* [[Königsbrunn]] (near [[Augsburg]])
* [[Mainz]], Consecration Altars of the Mithraeum [[Mogontiacum]]
* [[Mainz]], Consecration Altars of the Mithraeum [[Mogontiacum]]
* [[Neuss]] (Legionslager Castra Novaesia)
* [[Neuss]] (Legionslager Castra Novaesia)
* [[Osterburken]]
* [[Osterburken]]
* [[Riegel am Kaiserstuhl]][http://www.kaiserstuhl.eu/Orte/Riegel/mithras-kult.htm] (near [[Freiburg im Breisgau]])
* [[Riegel am Kaiserstuhl]][https://web.archive.org/web/20120220084027/http://www.kaiserstuhl.eu/Orte/Riegel/mithras-kult.htm] (near [[Freiburg im Breisgau]])
* [[Saalburg]]
* [[Saalburg]]
* [[Saarbrücken]]
* [[Saarbrücken]]
* [[Freisen|Schwarzerden]]
* [[Freisen|Schwarzerden]]
* [[Wiesloch]]
* [[Wiesloch]]

'''Greece'''
* [[Elefsina]]<ref name="efada">{{cite web|url=https://www.efada.gr/en-us/Archaeological-Sites-Monuments/Eleusis/Archaeological-Site-of-Eleusis/mithraeum|website=efada.gr|title=Archaeological Site of Eleusis-Mithraeum |access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref>
* [[Aigio]]<ref name="academia">{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/2536890/E._Kolia_The_Cult_of_Mithras_in_Aigion_L_Acaia_e_l_Italia_Meridionale._Contatti_scambi_e_relazioni_dall_Antichit%C3%A0_ai_nostri_Giorni_Atti_del_Convegno_Eghio_6-9_Luglio_2006_208-221|format=PDF|title=E. Kolia, The Cult of Mithras in Aigion, L’ Acaia e l’ Italia Meridionale. Contatti, scambi e relazioni dall’ Antichità ai nostri Giorni, Atti del Convegno, Eghio, 6-9 Luglio 2006, 208-221 {{pipe}} Erofili - Iris Kolia|website=Academia.edu|access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref>
* [[Thermes]]<ref name="culture">{{cite web|url=http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/eh251.jsp?obj_id=715|title=Ministry of Culture and Sports {{pipe}} Relief of Mithras Tauroctonos (Mithras the Bull-slayer) at Thermes|website=odysseus.culture.gr|access-date=2023-10-21}}</ref>


'''Hungary'''
'''Hungary'''
*[[Aquincum Mithraeum (of Victorinus)]]. Remains open within Aquincum Archaeological Park.
*[[Aquincum Mithraeum (of Victorinus)]]. Remains open within Aquincum Archaeological Park.
*[[Savaria Mithraeum]].
*[[Savaria Mithraeum]]
*[[Fertorakos Mithraeum]].
*[[Fertorakos Mithraeum]]


'''Israel'''
'''Israel'''
*[[Caesarea Maritima, City of Herods]].
*[[Caesarea Maritima]]
*Possibly in [[Jerusalem]], [[Via Dolorosa]], near the Second Station, where two vases with specific iconography were excavated
⚫
*[[Old Caesarea Roman Mithraeum]].


'''Italy'''
'''Italy'''
[[File:Rom, San Clemente, Mithraeum.jpg|thumb|Mithraeum in the lowest floor in the [[Basilica of San Clemente]] in [[Rome]]]]

*In the city of [[Rome]]:
*In the city of [[Rome]]:
**Mithraeum of the [[Circus Maximus]]. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum of the [[Circus Maximus]]. Remains open by appointment.
**[[Barberini]] Mithraeum. remains open by appointment.
**[[Barberini]] Mithraeum. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum of San Clemente, under the [[basilica of San Clemente]]. Remains visible in archaeological museum.
**Mithraeum of San Clemente, under the [[basilica of San Clemente]]. Remains visible in the archaeological museum.
**Mithraeum of the [[Baths of Caracalla]]. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum of the [[Baths of Caracalla]]. Remains open by appointment.
**Castra Peregrinorum mithraeum, under the church of [[Santo Stefano Rotondo]]. Remains open by appointment.
**Castra Peregrinorum mithraeum, under the church of [[Santo Stefano Rotondo]]. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum under the [[Santa Prisca]] basilica. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum under the [[Santa Prisca]] basilica. Remains open by appointment.
**Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres, in [[Ostia Antica]]
*In [[Campania]]:
*In [[Campania]]:
**Mithraeum of [[Santa Maria Capua Vetere]]
**Mithraeum of [[Santa Maria Capua Vetere]]
**Mithraeum of Naples
**Mithraeum of Naples
*In [[Lazio]]:
**Mithraeum in the [[crypt]] of the romanesque church of the Madonna del Parto, [[Sutri]].

'''Lebanon'''
* [[Sidon Mithraeum]]



'''Romania'''
'''Romania'''
*A reconstructed Mithraeum in the [[Brukenthal Museum]]'s Lapidarium, with some of the items unearthed at Apulum ([[Alba Iulia]]).
*A reconstructed Mithraeum in the [[Brukenthal Museum]]'s Lapidarium, with some of the items unearthed at Apulum ([[Alba Iulia]]).
*[[Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa]].
*[[Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa]].


'''Spain'''
'''Spain'''
*Roman Ville of Fuente Álamo's Mithraeum ([[Puente Genil]]).
*Roman Ville of [[Fuente Álamo]]'s Mithraeum ([[Puente Genil]]).
*Archaeological site at [[Emerita Augusta]].
*Archaeological site at [[Emerita Augusta]].
*[[University Museum A Domus do Mitreo|University Museum ''A Domus do Mitreo'']] (''The Domus of the Mithraeum'') next to the [[Roman walls of Lugo]], in [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia]].


'''Switzerland'''
'''Switzerland'''
*[[Martigny, Switzerland|Martigny]] (ancient ''Octodurus'') - a reconstructed Mithraeum [http://www.martigny.ch/pagetype.cfm?page=pages/en/culture_archeologie.cfm&sousmenuId=32&section=5]
*[[Martigny, Switzerland|Martigny]] (ancient ''Octodurus'') - a reconstructed Mithraeum [https://web.archive.org/web/20080619154417/http://www.martigny.ch/pagetype.cfm?page=pages%2Fen%2Fculture_archeologie.cfm&sousmenuId=32&section=5]


'''Syria'''
'''Syria'''
*[[Dura-Europos#The Mithraeum|Duro-Europos]] - Transported to and rebuilt at Yale University's Gallery of Fine Arts.
*[[Mithraeum of Dura-Europos]] - Transported to and rebuilt at Yale University's Gallery of Fine Arts.
*[[Mithraeum in Hawarte|Hawarte]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hawarte|url=https://pcma.uw.edu.pl/en/2019/03/14/hawarte-2/|access-date=2020-07-08|website=pcma.uw.edu.pl}}</ref>


'''United Kingdom'''
'''United Kingdom'''
Line 86: Line 115:
*[[Rudchester Mithraeum]], England.
*[[Rudchester Mithraeum]], England.


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* [http://www.mithraeum.eu/monumentae.php?tid=1 List of mithraea] from Mithraeum.eu
* [https://www.mithraeum.eu/quaere.php?sec=mithraea List of mithraea] from Mithraeum.eu
* [http://www.ancientcapua.com/campania-felix/mithraeum/ Capua's Mithraeum (Santa Maria Capua Vetere)]
* [http://www.ancientcapua.com/campania-felix/mithraeum/ Capua's Mithraeum (Santa Maria Capua Vetere)]

{{Greek religion}}


[[Category:Mithraea| ]]
[[Category:Mithraea| ]]

Latest revision as of 14:47, 30 May 2024

A Mithraeum found in the ruins of Ostia Antica, Italy
Mithraeum in Jajce renowned as one of the best preserved in-situ in Europe
How a modern history theme park imagines a Mithraeum: Museum Orientalis in the Netherlands
Finds from a Mithraeum in Stockstadt, Germany
A Mithraeum found in the German city of Saarbrücken

A Mithraeum (Latin pl. Mithraea), sometimes spelled Mithreum and Mithraion (Ancient Greek: Μιθραίον), is a Mithraic temple, erected in classical antiquity by the worshippers of Mithras. Most Mithraea can be dated between 100 BC and 300 AD, mostly in the Roman Empire.

The Mithraeum was either an adapted natural cave or cavern, or a building imitating a cave. Where possible, the Mithraeum was constructed within or below an existing building, such as the Mithraeum found beneath the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome. While most Mithraea are underground, some feature openings in the ceiling to allow light to enter, a reminder of the connection to the universe and the passage of time. The site of a Mithraeum may also be identified by its singular entrance or vestibule, which stands across from an apse at the back of which stands an altar on a pedestal, often in a recess, and its "cave", called the Spelaeum or Spelunca, with raised benches along the side walls for the ritual meal. Many mithraea that follow this basic plan are scattered over much of the Roman Empire's former territory, particularly where the legions were stationed along the frontiers (such as Britain). Others may be recognized by their characteristic layout, even though converted into crypts beneath Christian churches.

From the structure of the Mithraea it is possible to surmise that worshippers would have gathered for a common meal seated on the benches lining the walls.

Finally, the ubiquity of the Mithraeums’ distinctive banqueting benches implies the ubiquity of the cult meal as the liturgie ordinaire.[1]

The Mithraeum primarily functioned as an area for initiation, into which the soul descends and exits. The Mithraeum itself was arranged as an "image of the universe". It is noticed by some researchers that this movement, especially in the context of mithraic iconography (see below), seems to stem from the neoplatonic concept that the "running" of the sun from solstice to solstice is a parallel for the movement of the soul through the universe, from pre-existence, into the body, and then beyond the physical body into an afterlife.

Similarly, the Persians call the place a cave where they introduce an initiate to the Mysteries, revealing to him the path by which souls descend and go back again. For Eubulus tells us that Zoroaster was the first to dedicate a natural cave in honour of Mithras, the creator and father of all… this cave bore for him the image of the cosmos which Mithras had created, and the things which the cave contained, by their proportionate arrangement, provided him with symbols of the elements and climates of the cosmos [trans. Arethusa edition][1]

Notable mithraea

[edit]

Belgium

Bosnia

Egypt

  • Alexandria, Memphis, Oxyrhenchus (papyri evidence) , Hermopolis, and other cities[2]

France

Germany

Polychrome reproduction of the Mithraic banquet scene featuring Mithras and the Sun god banqueting on the hide of the slaughtered bull, dating to 130 AD, Lobdengau-Museum, Ladenburg, Germany

Greece

Hungary

Israel

Italy

Mithraeum in the lowest floor in the Basilica of San Clemente in Rome

Lebanon


Romania

Spain

Switzerland

  • Martigny (ancient Octodurus) - a reconstructed Mithraeum [2]

Syria

United Kingdom

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Roger Beck, "Ritual, Myth, Doctrine, and Initiation in the Mysteries of Mithras: New Evidence from a Cult Vessel", The Journal of Roman Studies, 90 (2000), pp. 145-180
  2. ^ https://www.mithraeum.eu/quaere.php?cou=eg
  3. ^ "Archaeological Site of Eleusis-Mithraeum". efada.gr. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  4. ^ "E. Kolia, The Cult of Mithras in Aigion, L' Acaia e l' Italia Meridionale. Contatti, scambi e relazioni dall' Antichità ai nostri Giorni, Atti del Convegno, Eghio, 6-9 Luglio 2006, 208-221 | Erofili - Iris Kolia" (PDF). Academia.edu. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  5. ^ "Ministry of Culture and Sports | Relief of Mithras Tauroctonos (Mithras the Bull-slayer) at Thermes". odysseus.culture.gr. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  6. ^ "Hawarte". pcma.uw.edu.pl. Retrieved 2020-07-08.
[edit]
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