The decline of Mithraism in the fourth century AD is used as a case-study for understanding the end of other classes of `paganism' in the Roman western provinces. The author reviews epigraphic and numismatic evidence to date the final uses of Mithraea. He then discusses examples of wilful damage to Mithraic monuments. Drawing all this archaeological evidence into a historical framework, Sauer argues that rather than losing its social function as the Roman army became splintered, Mithraism was a healthy religion with active shrines until the very late fourth century. Rather than fading away, its desecrated monuments indicate that the religion was the victim of a sustained Christian attack which was also directed at other established faiths in the western provinces.
Author(s): Eberhard Sauer
Series: BAR British Archaeological Reports International Series 634
Publisher: Tempvs Reparatvm
Year: 1996
Language: English
Commentary: scantailor cleaned
Pages: 128
City: Oxford
Tags: mithras;paganism;antiquity
Contents
Introduction
Mithraism. A Brief Introduction to the Cult
Chronology and Interpretation of the Dating Evidence
Wilful Damage to and Removal of Mithraic Monuments
Iconoclasm and Intentional Damage to Inscriptions
The Sinking of Cult Objects : Mithraic Finds from Rivers
The Deposition of Stone Monuments in Wells
Fire-Raising
The Desecration of Mithraea by Deposition of Human Remains and the Question of Mithraic Martyrs (?)
Historical Conclusions
Destroyers and Motives
Iconoclasm in the Middle Ages ? The Speed of Decay and the Date of Destruction of Temples and Monuments of Mithras
Alternative Explanations for Destruction and Abandonment of Mithraea
The Reliability of the Latest Testimonies for Mithraic Worship and the Changing Nature of Paganism
Mithraism and Christian Reuse of Pagan Sanctuaries
The Christian Attitude Towards Mithraism and the Similarities between the Two Religions
The Mysteries of Mithras, the Most Hated Cult and the First Victim of the Christian Persecution of Paganism ?
Appendix 1: Further Fourth Century Pagan Dedications in Britain ?
Appendix 2: A List of Partially or Completely Excavated Temples of Mithras
Map 1: Excavated Mithraea in the north-western parts of the Roman Empire
Map 2: Coins found inside Mithraea
Appendix 3: Coin Series of Several Mithraea
Appendix 4: Throwing Stones at Pagan Images
Bibliography
Illustrations
Figures
Geographic Index
