The ancient cult of Mithraism, which centred around the god Mithras, the Indo-Iranian deity of the sun, remained a mystery to archaeologists for centuries. The cult was once considered a rival to early forms of Christianity and had large communities of worshippers as well as a network of subterranean sanctuaries. Shining a light on a series of ground-breaking discoveries that were made during the early 19th century, this exhibition at the Archäologisches Museum in Frankfurt (until 9 April 2023) delves into the origins and practices of this cult through a display of objects and stone monuments. Highlights include a large relief depicting Mithras slaying a bull that was uncovered at the Mithraeum III of Nida (modern-day Frankfurt). The sculpture was among a series of objects recovered in the aftermath of the Second World War. It was destroyed during an air raid on the city and reconstructed in 1986. Find out more on the Archäologisches Museum’s website.
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Restored sandstone cult image from Nida’s Mithraeum III. Photo: AMF, U. Dettmar
Relief showing Mithra slaying a bull, from Nida’s Mithraeum III. Photo: Archiv AMF
A cult image depicting Mithras slaying a bull from Mithraeum I. Photo: AMF