1 Earliest Rome

4.6 The cult centres of Mithras
ofthe caves (often decorated with zodiacal signs and symbols ofthe natura! elements)
represented an image of the cosmos itself.
The standard modern term for these cult buildings - 'Mithraeum' - is a
recent scholarly invention. The ancients had no such specific term, but used
(in a non-technical sense) the terms templum and aedes, as well as speleum.
See further: Vol. 1,266,279-80,282-3,285-6; Vermaseren (1963) 43-66*;
R. L. Gordon (1976); Beck (1984) 2013-48*; Lavagne (1988) 678-95; R. L.
Gordon (1989). For photographs of Mithraea in Rome, Nash (1968) 69-85; in
Osria, Becatti (1954). Further documents ofthe Mithraic cult are given below,
12.5 (note especially the temple plan, 12.5a).
4.6a Cave of Mithras at S. Maria Capua Vetere (South Italy)
This Mithraeum, established in the early second century A.D., was apparently
in use until the middle of the fourth century. Situated Underground, it was
approached through a series of ante-rooms, which entered the 'cave' itself in
the south-east corner, just off the photograph to the left. Length, 12.27 m.;
width, 3.49 m.
See furrher: Vermaseren (1971); Beck (1984) 2020-Γ.
1. Painting of Mithras killing che bull (see 12.5b). Directly facing this image, at che other
end ofthe Mithraeum (not shown here), is a painting ofthe Night, in a chariot. This
Opposition between, at one end of the temple, the light of Mithras (who is often associated
with the Sun) and, at the other, the dark ofthe night helps to establish a symbolic
orientation of the temple (Mithras/east versus Night/west) - which is the reverse of its
actual orientation which placcs the painting of Mithras in die west. See further n. 4.
2. Side benehes for worshippers (now lacking the upper surfaces); an indication of rhe 'congregational'
aspect of Michraism.
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