Mithraeum of the Circus Maximus
( Mitreo del Circo Massimo )
The Circus Maximus Mithraeum is one of the
largest places of worship of the god Mithras
known in Rome.
It
arose in the 3rd century AD on the premises of a
previously existing 2ed century public building
which probably had something to do with the
Circus. The complex was discovered at about 14
meters below ground level during 1931 building work
on what was then the Pantanella pasta factory.
The
previously existing building was then adapted to
house the functions associated with the cult.
It
had consisted of a row of five parallel but separate
chambers, into which doorways were opened up; and
the central part of the sanctuary was at this
point paved with recycled slabs of white marble.
The
current entrance was actually a secondary one, the
main on being on the east side, via a room
terminating in a right-angled corridor, so that
passers by would be unable to view the proceedings
inside the sanctuary.
On
the piers framing the doorway from the first room to
the next are two niches which must have housed
the statues of the god's torch bearing
companions, Cautes and Cautopates.
From
here we enter the most important part of the
Mithraeum: this has stone benches along
the walls to seat the faithful during sacred
meals. The doorway to the heart of the sanctuary
is described by a large arch: on the
pavement, a circle of alabaster represents
the sun, and at the back is a semicircular niche
which must have contained the statue of the god
Mithras.
A
magnificent marble relief depicts the
ceremony of taurobolium, during which a bull
was sacrificed, using the example of Mithras
who, flanked by Cautes and Cautopates and by
the Sun and the Moon, is raising his
dagger to slay the sacrificial animal.
Information and Addresses
Address Piazza Bocca della Verita, 16/a May
3,00; concessions € 1,50
For
Tours information
– private guided tours – special entrances, no waiting in
line - VIP services
www.tourinrome.com
www.vaticanmuseuminformation.com
www.vaticanmuseumticket.com
