The transformation of Mithraea in the Late Roman period

Walsh, David

Abstract

Discussions of mithraea tend to emphasize their uniformity. While it is true that many earlier mithraea do adhere to an established plan, there are a notable number of mithraea dating from the late 3rd c. onward that do not. This article discusses these various atypical mithraea, how such alterations to the standard mithraeum plan might have impacted on Mithraic rituals, and how this might have affected the experiences of the participants. It also explores why such changes occurred, observing that while in some instances this may have been to accommodate alterations to ritual practices, in others it was likely due to more mundane issues, such as limitations on space and environmental factors. The article concludes by reflecting on the implications this has for the identification of mithraea in the archaeological record.

Citation

Walsh, D. (2023). The transformation of Mithraea in the Late Roman period. Journal of Roman Archaeology, 36(2), 454-476. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1047759423000430

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 19, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 24, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-12
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Roman Archaeology
• Print ISSN: 1047-7594
• Electronic ISSN: 2331-5709
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 454-476
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s1047759423000430
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3335256