Lisa R. Brody, Associate Curator of Ancient Art
This shrine is dedicated to the Roman god Mithras, a deity surrounded by mystery due to the secretive nature of its cult. Membership was exclusive to men who underwent initiation rituals akin to those of Yale's secret societies. Nonmembers were strictly prohibited from knowledge of the cult's practices. Consequently, our understanding of its rituals is limited, relying primarily on interpretations of shrine architecture.
It's presumed that ritual banquets occurred, supported by evidence of banqueting in many shrines. Additionally, an altar, not depicted here but evident in excavation photos, suggests offerings and sacrifices were commonplace. The shrine likely featured a domed roof painted blue with gold stars, evoking a celestial ambiance.
Mithras enjoyed popularity among Roman soldiers, with shrines discovered in regions where military garrisons were established, including Italy, Germany, and London. This shrine represents the easternmost discovery to date, albeit with some local variations reflecting Dura and Syrian traditions. Despite these differences, certain iconographic elements, such as the central relief depicting Mithras slaying a bull and zodiac signs adorning the arch above, remain consistent. Other recurring motifs include a dog and a snake positioned in front of the bull, a bird flying behind Mithras, and his billowing cape. Traces of pigment suggest vibrant colors adorned the reliefs, with Mithras himself likely gilded, radiating gold within the shrine.
A shrine to the god Mithras, the Mithraeum at Dura-Europos was commissioned in A.D. 168–69 by Palmyrene archers serving in the Roman army. It was renovated and enlarged in A.D. 209–11. The reconstruction on view here represents the third and final phase, dating to around A.D. 240. Unlike most Mithraea, which were underground to commemorate the god’s birth in a cave, the Dura Mithraeum was built into a private house.
\r\nThe cult of Mithras attained popularity in the Roman period among soldiers and merchants. Restricted to men, it was a mystery religion thought to include initiation, ritual banquets, and the promise of salvation after death. The primary cult image was the tauroctony, or Mithras slaying the Cosmic Bull, often paired with an image of Mithras banqueting with Sol, god of the sun (as seen in the painting at left). Other common images included events from the life of Mithras and zodiac signs.
\r\nWhile the subjects depicted in most Mithraea are similar, style and composition vary. The Dura Mithraeum contained two tauroctony reliefs, one above the other. The side walls showed Mithras as a mounted archer in a presentation that would have resonated with the Palmyrene archers who founded the shrine.
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