Roman — Roman; late 2nd-early 3rd century
Mithras
This late 2nd century marble head of the god Mithras was found underneath the floor of a temple. The temple was built around AD 240 and for about 100 years was used to worship Mithras. It was possibly built by a former soldier of the second legion, initiated into Mithraism in France.
The religion was a secret cult, mainly for men who valued virtue, honour and courage. These would have been soldiers and provincial administrators who took their religion and beliefs with them wherever they travelled in the empire.
- Category:
- Roman
- Object ID:
- 20005
- Object name:
- Mithras
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- —
- Related events:
- —
- Related places:
- —
- Production date:
- Roman; late 2nd-early 3rd century
- Material:
- stone, marble
- Measurements/duration:
- H 367 mm, W 170 mm (at base of neck), D 200 mm (overall), WT 20000g (20kg) (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Credit:
- —
- Copyright holder:
- digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.