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CIMRM473; IGUR1Q6<br />

12.5 The mysteries of Mithras<br />

12.5c(iii) Ravens, Fathers and Lions. On a marble slab from <strong>Rome</strong> (Vol. 1,<br />

Map 3 no.36)<br />

To Zeus Helios great unconquerable Mithras and the deities dwelling with<br />

him were given two bronze lamps, each with six wicks, by Casttis father and Castus son, 1<br />

holy 'Raven', and dedicated with the following attendants: Lucius Saturius Sporus and<br />

Pactumeius Lausus Fathers, Modestus, Paralius, Agathemerus, Felix, Apamenius, Keloidi<br />

(?) Lions. 2<br />

/IS 4267b; CIMRM4Q1<br />

1. Castus and Cascus seem to be kin, though the first Castus might also be a Mithraic Father.<br />

2. 'Lions' is in larger letters, indicating that the previous six men were all members of this<br />

important grade.<br />

12.5c(iv) One of a series of inscribed altars and bases from a sanctuary in<br />

<strong>Rome</strong> recording initiations performed between A.D. 357 and 376 by a father<br />

and son, each of them also Mithraic Fathers.<br />

See further: Vol. 1, 383-4 (on involvement in the cult by senators); Vol. 1,<br />

Map3no.22; 8.9; Gallo (1979).<br />

In the consulships of Datianus and Cerealis Nonius Victor Olympius, of<br />

senatorial rank, Father of Fathers, [and] Aurelius Victor Augentius, of senatorial rank,<br />

Father, transmitted the symbols of the Persian grade on the day<br />

before the Nones of April with good fortune. In the above mentioned<br />

consulships they transmitted the symbols of the Sun's grade 16 days<br />

before the Kalends of May with good fortune.<br />

Ciotti(1978) 234<br />

The Lion Place, 1<br />

12.5c(v) The building of a Mithraic shrine by Lions. On a marble plaque<br />

from San Gemini in the territory of ancient Carsulae 80 km. north of <strong>Rome</strong><br />

(A.D. 250-300?).<br />

See further: Ciotti (1978).<br />

adorned with sculpture and other fittings, by permission of the most<br />

holy council, 2<br />

was made from scratch at their own expense by the Lions, who had been<br />

consummated' 3<br />

by Egnatius Reparatus legitimate priest and contributor: Titus Lepidius<br />

Honorinus, Alexander and Amicus imperial , Watchmen , the<br />

two Luch Vicrii - Severus and Speratus - Titus Satrontus <br />

Sabinianus, Publius Vatinius Iustus, Lucius lulius Felix, Lucius Longinius Stachys<br />

Engineer for 5, 000 sestertii? The place was given by decree of the town council.<br />

1. 'Lion Place' (Leonreum) seems to be a term for the whole Mithraic sanctuary, derived<br />

from the importance of the Lion grade: Brashear (1992) 27-8.<br />

2. I.e. rhe local rown council, not as Burkert (1987) 42, a central authority of the cult.<br />

309

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