Unearth the enigmatic secrets of the Roman Mithras cult as it flourished in Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), modern-day Cologne. This compelling exploration delves into the heart of this ancient mystery religion, piecing together a vivid tapestry of archaeological and epigraphic evidence to reveal the unique characteristics of its devotees and practices within this specific Roman settlement. Journey back in time to explore the sacred spaces – the mithraea – and decipher the clues left behind by a community shrouded in secrecy. Discover the challenges faced by researchers attempting to reconstruct this elusive faith, grappling with limited written sources and relying heavily on the tangible remnants of the past. Investigate the captivating debate surrounding the cult's origins, weighing the influence of Indo-Iranian traditions against the syncretic nature of Roman religious life. Unravel the mysteries surrounding the cult's rituals, initiations, and social dynamics, shedding light on the demographics of its followers – primarily those from the lower bureaucratic strata – and the intriguing question of women's involvement. Through meticulous analysis of artifacts, inscriptions, and architectural remains, this study offers a fascinating glimpse into the duration of Mithras worship in CCAA, its place within the broader context of Mithraic studies, and its lasting legacy as a testament to the diverse religious landscape of the Roman Empire. Explore the intricate relationship between the archaeological record and the whispers of ancient texts, as we strive to understand the enduring appeal of this captivating mystery cult and its profound impact on the lives of those who sought solace and meaning within its hidden sanctuaries. This book offers new insights into Roman religion, religious syncretism, and social hierarchy during the height of the Roman Empire. From fragmented sculptures to evocative floor plans, prepare to be transported to a world of clandestine rituals and profound spiritual seeking, illuminating a fascinating chapter in the history of religious expression. This volume will be a welcome addition to those interested in Roman history, Roman archaeology and the study of ancient mystery cults and religions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 INTRODUCTION
- 2 OUTLINE OF THE CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH ON THE (ROMAN) MITHRAIC CULT
- 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND EPIGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF THE CULT OF MITHRAS IN THE CCAA
- 3.1 Mithraea and selected cult-related finds from the CCAA
- 3.2 General conclusions about the cult of Mithra in the CCAA based on archaeological evidence
- 4 CONCLUSION
- 5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
- 5.1 List of sources
- 5.2 Bibliography
- 6 CATALOGUE (INDIVIDUAL OBJECTS)
- 7 MAPS, FIND CONTEXTS, (RECONSTRUCTED) FLOOR PLANS, MEASUREMENTS AND DETAILS
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the main features of the Mithraic cult and its community in Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), using archaeological and epigraphic evidence. It seeks to determine whether this evidence allows conclusions about the duration of Mithras worship, the size and demographics of the cult community, and its classification within Mithraic cult research. The paper will first outline the current state of research before analyzing archaeological finds in the CCAA, primarily relying on G. Ristow's compilation.
- The main features of the Mithraic cult and its community in CCAA.
- The duration of Mithras worship in CCAA.
- The size and demographics of the Mithraic cult community in CCAA.
- The classification of the CCAA Mithraic cult within broader Mithraic research.
- The relationship between the Roman Mithraic cult and Indo-Iranian influences.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the challenges in studying the Roman Mithraic cult due to limited written sources, comparing the situation to reconstructing early Christianity based solely on the Old Testament and medieval church remains. It discusses the historical debate surrounding the cult's origins, contrasting Cumont's theory of a direct link to Zoroastrianism with the more contemporary "weak Iranian" thesis, which posits a less direct influence from Persian mythology. The chapter introduces the archaeological work of Fremersdorf and Ristow in Cologne, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to understanding the cult in the CCAA.
2 OUTLINE OF THE CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH ON THE (ROMAN) MITHRAIC CULT: This chapter outlines the defining characteristics of the Mithraic cult as a mystery cult, including its secrecy, initiation rituals, inclusivity of marginalized groups, and focus on individual improvement. It addresses the ongoing scholarly debate about the relationship between the Roman Mithras and older Indo-Iranian deities, discussing arguments for and against a strong connection. The chapter also explores the limited written sources on the cult, primarily from the late 1st to 3rd centuries AD, including mentions by Plutarch and early Christian apologists. Finally, it details the cult's rapid expansion between 180-220 AD and its geographical distribution, concentrating primarily in Rome, northern Dalmatia, and the Rhine-Danube provinces, and notes the lack of clear evidence for its continuation into the 5th century. The chapter concludes by considering the demographics of the cult community based on archaeological evidence, suggesting a membership drawn largely from the lower bureaucratic strata and the exclusion of women, while noting exceptions such as the inclusion of privileged slaves.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Mithraic cult, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), Roman religion, mystery cults, archaeology, epigraphy, Indo-Iranian influences, religious syncretism, social hierarchy, cult community, archaeological finds, mithraea.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What is the main focus of the academic analysis presented in the HTML?
The academic analysis focuses on the Mithraic cult and community in Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), examining its features using archaeological and epigraphic evidence. It aims to determine the duration of Mithras worship, the size and demographics of the community, and its classification within broader Mithraic cult research.
What are the key themes explored in the document?
The key themes explored include: the main features of the Mithraic cult and its community in CCAA; the duration of Mithras worship in CCAA; the size and demographics of the Mithraic cult community in CCAA; the classification of the CCAA Mithraic cult within broader Mithraic research; and the relationship between the Roman Mithraic cult and Indo-Iranian influences.
What challenges are highlighted in studying the Roman Mithraic cult?
The challenges stem from the limited written sources available, similar to reconstructing early Christianity based only on the Old Testament and medieval church remains. This makes archaeological findings particularly important for understanding the cult.
What are the defining characteristics of the Mithraic cult as a mystery cult?
The cult is defined by its secrecy, initiation rituals, inclusivity of marginalized groups, and focus on individual improvement.
Where was the Mithraic cult primarily located?
The cult was primarily concentrated in Rome, northern Dalmatia, and the Rhine-Danube provinces.
What is the "weak Iranian" thesis mentioned in the document?
The "weak Iranian" thesis posits a less direct influence from Persian mythology on the Roman Mithraic cult, in contrast to earlier theories suggesting a direct link to Zoroastrianism.
Who are some of the key researchers mentioned in the context of CCAA?
Fremersdorf and Ristow are mentioned, with Ristow's compilation being a primary source for analyzing archaeological finds in CCAA.
Who primarily constituted the membership of the Mithraic cult community?
Archaeological evidence suggests that the membership was largely drawn from the lower bureaucratic strata, excluding women (with possible exceptions like privileged slaves).
What are some of the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Mithraic cult, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium (CCAA), Roman religion, mystery cults, archaeology, epigraphy, Indo-Iranian influences, religious syncretism, social hierarchy, cult community, archaeological finds, mithraea.
What time period does most of the limited written source of the Mithraic cult come from?
Most of the limited written sources come from the late 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
- Quote paper
- Pascal Johannes Harter (Author), 2023, Rock birth, sacred inscriptions and cult vessels, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1472249
