AMithraeum(Latinpl.Mithraea), sometimes spelledMithreum andMithraion (Ancient Greek:Μιθραίον), is atemple erected inclassical antiquity by theworshippers of Mithras. Most Mithraea can be dated between 100 BC and 300 AD, mostly in theRoman Empire.
The Mithraeum was either an adapted natural cave, cavern, or building imitating a cave. Where possible, the Mithraeum was constructed within or below an existing building, such as the Mithraeum found beneath theBasilica of San Clemente inRome. While most Mithraea are underground, some feature openings in the ceiling to allow light to enter, a reminder of the connection to the universe and the passage of time. The site of a Mithraeum may also be identified by its singular entrance or vestibule, which stands across from anapse at the back of which stands an altar on a pedestal, often in a recess, and its "cave", called theSpelaeum orSpelunca, with raised benches along the side walls for the ritual meal. Many mithraea that follow this basic plan are scattered over much of theRoman Empire's former territory, mainly where the legions were stationed along the frontiers (such as Britain). Others may be recognized by their characteristic layout, even though converted intocrypts beneathChristian churches.
From the structure of the Mithraea, it is possible to surmise that worshippers gathered for a common meal seated on the benches lining the walls.
"Finally, the ubiquity of the Mithraeums' distinctive banqueting benches implies the ubiquity of the cult meal as theliturgie ordinaire."[1]
The Mithraeum primarily functioned as an area forinitiation, into which the soul descends and exits. The Mithraeum itself was arranged as an "image of the universe". Some researchers note that this movement, especially in the context of mithraiciconography (see below), seems to stem from theNeoplatonic concept that the "running" of the sun fromsolstice to solstice is a parallel for the movement of the soul through the universe, from pre-existence, into the body, and then beyond the physical body into anafterlife.
Similarly, the Persians call the place a cave where they introduce an initiate to the Mysteries, revealing to him the path by which souls descend and go back again. For Eubulus tells us thatZoroaster was the first to dedicate a natural cave in honour ofMithras, the creator and father of all... this cave bore for him the image of thecosmos which Mithras had created, and the things which the cave contained, by their proportionate arrangement, provided him with symbols of the elements and climates of the cosmos [trans. Arethusa edition][1]
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