Relief of Mithras killing a bull

myminifactory

The Roman deity Mithras appears in the historical record in the late 1st century A.D., and disappears from it in the late 4th century A.D. Unlike the major mythological figures of Graeco-Roman religion, such as Jupiter and Hercules, no ancient source preserves the mythology of the god.  The temples of Mithras were always an underground cave, featuring a relief of Mithras killing the bull. This relief of gypsum dating from the second century was found under the Palazzo Montecitorio in 1907 and bought by the Liebighaus at Frankfort. Mithras is here depicted slaying the bull, which wears a broad belt around its body. The dog's head near the wound; the other animals have got lost. On either side Cautes (r) and Cautopates (l), cross-legged. Traces of painting: Mithras' face, hair and hands are gilt; his garments are red with a green meander-rim; the bull and the dog are red as well as the garments and the hands of the torchbearers.   This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.