A wonderful Mithraic Tauroctony scene for your Home or Mithraeum!
This 12x12" canvas is an image of a 3rd century AD stone Tauroctony Scene of the God Mithras and the bull, which was the sacred central image in order ancient Roman Mithraic temples.
Mithras was a savior god who presided over the Mithraic Mysteries. This ancient Mystery Religion was very popular with the Roman Legions and Roman Soldiers, and temples to Mithras were spread throughout the ancient Roman world.
This scene shows Mithras slaying the bull the bull (a symbol of triumph). Overhead, Sol Invictus the God of the Sun rides in his chariot pulled by horses, and Luna, the Goddess of the Moon rides in a cart called a Biga, drawn by oxen. They are present and giving their blessings to this victory, and Mithras is flanked by two torch-bearers (Cautes and Cautopates) who were symbols of beginning and ending.
This scene is widely thought to be astronomical in nature - possibly depicting the time when the the astrological Age of Taurus passed to the astrological age of Aries. The Dog and Snake in the scene are believed by some to be the constellations Canis Major and Hydra.
A representation of the Tauroctony would have been the central image in every Roman temple of Mithras. This image is cataloged as CIMRM 415 in the works of the Mithraic scolar Vermaseren.
This canvas is 1.5 inches deep, suitable for wall hanging and wide enough to be displayed on a shelf. Perfect for the Ancient Roman in your life!
Product code: Mithras and the Bull - Tauroctony Scene from an ancient Mithraeum order Temple - 12x12" Canvas Wall Art