The Mysteries of Mithra

The Mysteries of Mithra is a book written by Franz Cumont that explores the ancient religion of Mithraism. This religion was practiced in the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 4th century CE and was centered around the god Mithras, who was believed to be a mediator between humans and the divine. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, beliefs, and practices of Mithraism, drawing on a wide range of sources including archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and literary texts. Cumont examines the origins of the religion, its spread throughout the Roman Empire, and its relationship to other contemporary religions such as Christianity and Judaism. The book also delves into the rituals and initiation ceremonies of Mithraism, which were shrouded in secrecy and only known to initiates. These ceremonies involved the symbolic slaying of a bull, which represented the forces of evil, and the sharing of a communal meal. Throughout the book, Cumont provides detailed analysis and interpretation of the available evidence, shedding light on the mysteries and complexities of this ancient religion. The Mysteries of Mithra is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the history of religion and the ancient world.1910. Contents: Preface to the French Edition; The Origins of Mithraism; The Dissemination of Mithraism in the Roman Empire; Mithra and the Imperial Power of Rome; The Doctrine of the Mithraic Mysteries; The Mithraic Liturgy, Clergy and Devotees; Mithraism and the Religions of the Empire; Mithraic Art; Index.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.