Marino Mithraeum

The Marino Mithraeum, or Mitreo di Marino, is one of the most captivating and well-preserved Mithraic temples in the world. Nestled in the charming town of Marino, Italy, this ancient sanctuary offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysterious cult of Mithras, a deity worshipped by Roman soldiers and merchants during the late Roman Empire. Discovered by chance in 1962 during the excavation of a cellar, the Marino Mithraeum has since become a treasured site for historians, archaeologists, and curious visitors alike.

The Discovery of the Marino Mithraeum

The Marino Mithraeum was uncovered in 1962, quite unexpectedly, during the digging of a cave in a cellar at the foot of the historic town. Initially, the discovery was kept under wraps, but it did not take long for the authorities to recognize the significance of this ancient site. Today, the Marino Mithraeum is under municipal ownership and has become a protected archaeological treasure.

The Structure of the Marino Mithraeum

The Marino Mithraeum is ingeniously carved out of an existing water cistern with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans. The sanctuary stretches 29 meters in length, 3.10 meters in width, and 3 meters in height. The walls are lined with opus signinum (a type of Roman waterproof plaster) and feature smooth transitions at the corners, typical of Roman cisterns. At the end of the gallery, visitors are greeted by a stunning and well-preserved painting depicting Mithras slaying a white bull, a central motif in Mithraic iconography. In front of this painting stands a small altar inscribed with the words: INVICTO DEO CRESCES ACTOR ALFI SEBERI D P, which translates to Cresces, administrator of Alfio Severo, placed this as a gift to the invincible god.

The Interior and Decorations

The interior of the Marino Mithraeum reveals traces of wooden structures that once served as seating for the initiates, likely made of wood, of which only faint marks remain on the floor. The walls also bear remnants of wooden shelves and partitions, as well as small niches that housed oil lamps for illumination. Near the entrance of the gallery, on the lateral walls, are depictions of the torchbearers Cautes and Cautopates, symbolizing the duality of day and night.

The Enigmatic Fresco

One of the most remarkable features of the Marino Mithraeum is its fresco, one of only three such painted scenes in Italy, the others being the Barberini Mithraeum in Rome and the Mithraeum of Santa Maria Capua Vetere. The fresco, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is executed in encaustic (a technique involving hot wax) directly on the opus signinum plaster of the cistern. At the center of the fresco stands Mithras, dressed in oriental attire with a Phrygian cap, a red tunic, and trousers, and a billowing cloak adorned with a celestial vault dotted with stars. Mithras is depicted in a cave, gazing towards the Sun, which illuminates him, while the Moon, shrouded in shadow, is on the opposite side. Below the Sun and Moon are the torchbearers Cautes (with an upraised torch, symbolizing day) and Cautopates (with a lowered torch, symbolizing night).

Mithras is shown in the act of slaying the white bull with a dagger, while a dog and a serpent drink the bull's blood and a scorpion bites its testicles. From the bull's tail sprout ears of wheat, symbolizing the rebirth of the Earth. Flanking the central scene are eight panels depicting key events in Mithras's life, including the miraculous birth of the god from a rock, the capture and transport of the bull to the cave, the victorious struggle, and the pact with the Sun god Apollo.

A Journey Through Time

Visiting the Marino Mithraeum is like stepping back in time to an era when the cult of Mithras was a secretive and exclusive religion practiced by many in the Roman Empire. The detailed artwork and intricate carvings within the Mithraeum provide an invaluable insight into the rituals and beliefs of this ancient faith. Each element of the sanctuary, from the frescoes to the architectural design, tells a story of devotion, mystery, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

In conclusion, the Marino Mithraeum is not just an archaeological site; it is a window into a world shrouded in mystery and spiritual significance. Its preservation and the stories it holds make it an unmissable destination for anyone interested in ancient history, art, and religion. Whether you are a seasoned historian or a curious traveler, the Marino Mithraeum promises a journey of discovery and wonder.