Mithraea, often referred to as temples, shrines, caves, or spelaea, are structures that were dedicated to the worship of Mithras and his followers.
Iconic Mithraea Locations Across Europe
- London Mithraeum: This site has been accurately contextualized and relocated to its original position in 2016. Often known as the Walbrook Mithraeum, it draws significant interest.
- Mithraeum of Angers: This Mithraeum features various artifacts such as coins, oil lamps, and a ceramic vessel inscribed with a dedication to the invincible god Mithras.
-
Marino Mithraeum: Located in Italy, this site is characterized by its elongated structure adorned with representations from the Severian period.
-
Mithraeum of Sarmizegetusa: Notable for the abundance of monuments unearthed, this Mithraeum’s expansive temple area is quite extraordinary.
-
Santa Maria Capua Vetere Mithraeum: This temple houses frescoes that vividly portray the initiation rites associated with Mithraic worship.
-
Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres: Its significance lies in exquisite black-and-white mosaics that illustrate celestial bodies, zodiac signs, and other related motifs.
-
Thermes Mithraeum: Discovered in Greece in 1915 by archaeologist Bogdan Filov, this site adds to our understanding of Mithraism in the region.
-
Aosta Mithraeum: The remnants of this Mithraeum were uncovered in 1953 within a commercial sector of the ancient city of Augusta Praetoria.
-
Casa del Mitreo de Mérida: Although not classified as a Mithraeum, this site at Cerro de San Albín has unearthed multiple monuments pertinent to Mithraic culture.
-
Naples Mithraeum: Known as Mitreo della crypta neapolitana, it is notable for its legends, which suggest that it evolved from a site of worship for Priapus to a place of celebration for Aphrodite.
-
Schwarzerden Mithraeum: Carved into rock, this Mithraeum, also known as Mithräum von Reichweiler, is an exemplary representation of the cult’s architectural style.
-
Els Munts Mithraeum: Situated near Tarragona, it is among the largest Mithraea known to historians.
-
Esquilino Mithraeum: Set in a house from Constantine’s era, it was discovered alongside a Lararium featuring a statue of Isis-Fortuna, with the Mithraeum positioned adjacent to it.
-
Lambaesis Mithraeum: This remarkably preserved temple dedicated to Mithras is one of the finest examples found in Africa.
-
Eleusis Mithraeum: A Mithraeum at this location has been recognized where the last Hierophant of the Thespian tradition was also a figure in the Mithraic Mysteries.
-
Dura Europos Mithraeum: Discovered by a team led by historian Mikhaïl Rostovtzeff in 1933, this site is iconic among Syrian Mithraea.
-
Cirta Mithraeum: An inscription uncovered here points to a decorated speleum that may indicate a Mithraeum in Cirta, the ancient capital of Numidia.
-
Angera Mithraeum: The “tana del lupo,” a natural cave in Angera’s castle, is believed to house a Mithraeum, supported by inscriptions uncovered there in the 19th century.
-
Köln Mithraeum II: The second Mithraeum found in Cologne was described as having limited significance by R. L. Grodon.
-
Aquincum Mithraeum IV: This Mithraeum, associated with Symphorus and Marcus, is located in Upuda, Budapest. It was made publicly accessible after extensive restoration in 2004.
These sites collectively highlight the varied architectural and cultural expressions of Mithraism throughout ancient Rome and beyond.
