Mithraeum

A small Roman temple used for worship in eastern cult of Mithras (Persian mystery god), often in the form of a basilica. They were very popular with the Roman army and many fort sites have Mithraea nearby. The usual layout is that of central nave flanked by two side-aisles. At the far end of the nave, a type of reredos often depicts Mithras in his act of slaying the bull, and the building itself apparently represents the cave of the original story. Symbolism shows the coming of new life from the blood spilt, and the conquering of evil (of which the scorpion is sometimes the agent). The side-aisles are typically raised to form reclining couches for the taking of the sacred banquet. Some examples show more elaborate architecture, such as the addition of apse and colonnades, as at Walbrook in London.

Small Roman religious building devoted to the celebration of the rites of Mithras. The usual layout is that of central nave flanked by two side-aisles. At the far end of the nave, a type of reredos often depicts Mithras in his act of slaying the bull, and the building itself apparently represents the cave of the original story. Symbolism shows the coming of new life from the blood spilt, and the conquering of evil (of which the scorpion is sometimes the agent). The side-aisles are typically raised to form reclining couches for the taking of the sacred banquet. The remainder of the building may be decorated with other episodes from the Mithras story, such as a hunting expedition, his genesis from the rock, and his close alliance and virtual identification with the Sun. Some examples show more elaborate architecture, such as the addition of apse and colonnades (e.g. Walbrook, London).