Zachary Emil
Ms. Hatmaker
Latin III/Period 7
5/21/2014
Cult of Mithras
The Cult of Mithras, otherwise known as Mithraism or the Sun religion, was a religion that most originated from Persian Zoroastrianism, but officially recognized as a cult by the Roman Empire. They worshiped Mithra, a god commonly associated with light or the sun, and a hero of lightness over darkness. Mithraism is often referred to as a "mystery cult," secrecy played a large role in the religion. No written texts from Mithraism exist, and rituals were practiced in temples, known as Mithraeum, disguised to look like natural caves. What is known of the mythology is from paintings and reliefs in these temples; two of the most common depict Mithras sacrificing a sacred bull, and Mithras being born from a rock. Sol, the personified god of the sun, is often depicted alongside Mithras. Those who joined Mithraism had to sacrifice a bull, and were baptized in its blood. There was also a class system: Corax, Nymphus, Miles, Leo, Perses, Heliodromus, and Pater. Those who gained the title of Pater, or father, were allowed to be head of the congregation. It was very popular among Roman soldiers, most likely because of Mithras reputation of a warrior for good, as well as those who weren't citizens of Rome, such as merchants. However, women could not join. Mithraism began to grow in power and in followers; at one point, there were several Roman senators were suspected to be part of the Cult of Mithras. Its eventual downfall is commonly attributed to the spread of Christianity after it was named the Roman Empires official religion by Constantine, as well as the fact that it restricted its followers more.
Bibliography:
A history of the Roman People, edited by Allen ward and fritz heichelheim and Cedric Yeo
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