Description / Expertise
"They likewise offered strange sacrifices; those of Olympus I mean; and they celebrated certain secret mysteries, among which those of Mithras continue to this day" Plutarch, Life of Pompey 24
Superbly modelled frontal facing youthful head of Mithras with lips slightly parted and silver inlaid light reflecting eyes, the contrast between light and dark being of fundamental importance within the Mithraeum, framed by head of thick curly locks and surmounted by Phrygian cap with star shaped incisions representing a starry sky alluding to Mithras' close association with astrology and the zodiac.
The importation of Mithras first occurred in the late years of the Republic, transferred by traders and soldiers returning from the east; similarly to other mystery cults shrouded in a veil of secrecy and mysticism the conservatism of the Roman republic outlawed the cult nevertheless the religion gained popularity and continued to do so, particularly amongst the legions and lower classes, culminating in popularity during 3rd Century A.D. Mithraism was predominantly popular at the trading port Ostia and at inland legionary garrison sites; no less than 18 Mithraeums have been found at Ostia, 16 of which date to 2nd Century A.D, and would have been adorned with likenesses of Mithras. This piece dates from 1st Century A.D, a time when the cult of Mithras was first making headway within the Roman Empire, remains of Mithraeums and other such remains are comparatively fewer from this time.
Price gbp 675.00 (Pound Sterling)
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