Mithras
Persian light god
Mithras was a god worshipped in a Roman mystery religion that flourished from the 1st through 4th centuries CE.
The cult was popular among soldiers and merchants, centered on underground temples called mithraea.
Initiates participated in secret rituals, the details of which remain largely unknown.
The central image shows Mithras slaying a bull.
The religion disappeared as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire.
Sacred worship structure
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
- altarSacred ritual table
bench · relief · Ostia · subterranean · vault
Handheld burning light source
- daggerShort pointed stabbing blade
- capeShouldered sleeveless wrap
- dogDomesticated barking mammal
- serpentCunning, limbless reptile
raven · scorpion · lion · crater · sun · moon · zodiac · banquet
Formal admission ceremony
- cultFervent fringe group
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
- gradesAcademic performance ratings
Miles · Leo · Pater · mysteries · secret rites · handshake · oath · brotherhood
Visible electromagnetic radiation
- sunEarth's primary star
- truthAccordance with reality
- loyaltyFaithful commitment to another
- contractEnforceable written agreement
covenant · order · cosmos · salvation · rebirth · immortality · victory · fertility
Roman unconquered sun god
- ZoroasterAncient Persian religious founder
- Roman godDivine being from ancient Italy
- light bringerSource of illumination's arrival
temple
Sacred worship structure
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
torch
Handheld burning light source
serpent · raven · scorpion · lion · crater · sun · moon · zodiac · banquet
initiation
Formal admission ceremony
grades · Miles · Leo · Pater · mysteries · secret rites · handshake · oath · brotherhood · hierophant
light
Visible electromagnetic radiation
contract · covenant · order · cosmos · salvation · rebirth · immortality · victory · fertility · celestial
Sol Invictus
Roman unconquered sun god
- ZoroasterAncient Persian religious founder
- Roman godDivine being from ancient Italy
- light bringerSource of illumination's arrival
legion
Great number, or soldiers
garrison · frontier · Danube · Rhine · Hadrian's Wall · army · barracks · veterans · officers · merchants
MithrasPluto
Kuiper Belt dwarf world
Hades · Persephone · Hecate · Osiris
MithrasVesta
Goddess of hearth
Jupiter · pontifex maximus · Mars · Juno
MithrasChrist
The anointed savior
Jesus · Christianity · Sol Invictus · Yahweh