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The cult of Mithra also known as Mithraism became popular during the
common era of the Roman Empire. Popularized by the roman legions it
flourished between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. For over three hundred
years the rulers of the Roman Empire worshiped Mithra. Mithraism was a
cult of secrecy, members had to participate in a initiation ceremonies
and the activities and liturgy of the cult was kept secret. As a
result no text outlying the beliefs of the cult of mithra survives.
Evidence of the cult is found in the hundred of inscriptions referring
to Mithra within the roman empire and the remains of temples used for
worship.
The cult was hierarchical and required members to advance through seven degrees.
Each degree corresponded to a planet and a symbol.
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Degrees of Initiation |
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Degree |
Symbol |
Planet |
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Croax |
Raven |
Mercury |
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Nymphus |
Male bride |
Venus |
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Miles |
Soldier |
Mars |
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Leo |
Lion |
Jupiter |
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Perses |
Persian |
Moon |
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Heliodromus |
Sun's Courier |
Sun |
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Pater |
Father |
none |
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When a member
reached the highest level they founded a new congregation of the cult.
Some important aspects of the cult should be noted. One, women were not
permitted to become members. Two, a mithraic initiate could be a member
of more than one cult. There place of worship, called a Mithraeum, was
made to resemble a natural cave. Members gathered in the Mithraeum for a
common meal, initiation of members, and other ceremonies. A few even
held ritual sacrifices of bulls. The bull was an animal strongly
associated with the god Mithra. The popularity of Mithra declined with
the rise of Christianity. It is interesting to note that there has been a
resurgence of Mithra worship in this century. In fact, there are many
websites dedicated to the god Mithra and new cults have been founded.
This is a layout of a Mithraeum
Authors: Andrew Woodworth, Dorothy Kujala, and Bryan megill |
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