Mithras Slaying the Bull: Ancient Roman Sculpture at Cincinnati Art Museum
Mithras Slaying the Bull is a Roman marble frieze from 150–200 CE, now at the Cincinnati Art Museum. It depicts the central myth of Mithraism: the god Mithras, in Roman military garb and a Phrygian cap, stabs a wild bull. The bull's death produces wheat and grapes, symbolizing civilization from barbarism. A dog assists Mithras; a snake and scorpion, sent by the evil god Ahriman, fail to prevent the miracles. The sun god Sol oversees the scene. The frieze's cave background references Mithraic temples (Mithraea), where initiates underwent seven stages of purification. The work reflects Mithraism's blend of Eastern and Western beliefs, popular among Roman soldiers.
Key facts
- Mithras Slaying the Bull is a Roman sculpture from 150–200 CE.
- It is housed at the Cincinnati Art Museum in Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- The frieze depicts Mithras slaying a bull, with wheat and grapes sprouting from the wound.
- Mithras is shown in Roman military attire with a Phrygian cap.
- The dog, snake, and scorpion are part of the narrative.
- Sol, the Roman sun god, appears in the upper left.
- The background shows cave walls, referencing Mithraea.
- Mithraism involved seven stages of initiation.
Entities
Artists
- Mithras
- Sol
- Ahriman
Institutions
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- DailyArt Magazine
Locations
- Cincinnati
- Ohio
- USA