Image Details
Joint Expedition to Caesarea
This marble medallion, found behind the altar in the Mithraeum at Caesarea, was a key to the identification of this vault as a third century sanctuary for the worship of Mithra, an ancient deity of light and truth popular among Roman soldiers. Mithra (center left), slays the sacred bull (center right) on the upper panel of this marble medallion. Three other scenes from the life of Mithra appear across the lower panel: from left, Sol, the sun god, kneeling before Mithra, the banquet of Sol and Mithra, and Mithra riding a bull toward a reclining figure. The medallion is 7.5 cm in diameter and 1 cm thick.