Tribute relics to Roman god in new exhibit
HISTORIC FINDS IN UNIQUE DISPLAY
FINDS from Northumberland and London are to be brought together for the first time to illuminate the story of a god of light who was worshipped across the Roman Empire.
The religion focusing on the god Mithras is thought to have originated in the East, probably in Persia.
A temple to the deity was excavated in 1950 at Carrawburgh Roman fort on Hadrian’s Wall, between Chesters and Housesteads.
Three altars to Mithras were found in the temple, dedicated by the First Cohort of Batavians from Holland and the Rhineland, who were one of the units which garrisoned the fort.
The altars, from the collections of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, will be part of a new exhibition titled Mithras: Roman Religion from Thames to Tyne.
The exhibition, at the Great North Museum in Newcastle, runs from July 1 to August 27.
It brings together for the first time objects found at Carrawburgh and another temple at Walbrook in London in 1954.
Items on display include a marble head of the god which is part of the Museum of London collections.
Caroline McDonald, manager at the Great North Museum: Hancock, has also previously worked at the Museum of London.
She said: “This is a once-in-alifetime chance for anyone interested in archaeology to see these two internationally important Roman Mithras collections side by side. It’s never happened before and is not to be missed.
“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to work with the Museum of London, my home for many years, on making this display a reality.”
The religion was open only to men and followers progressed through seven grades, involving rituals and ordeals, including fire and water, heat and cold, fasting and journeying.
Images in Mithras temples often focus on the act of creation in which the god kills a bull in a cave and life – in the form of ears of wheat – emerges from the slain animal’s tail.
One of the Northumberland altars is pierced so that a lamp could be placed behind the stone to allow light to shine through the crown of the god.
The deity is frequently depicted as being born of a rock or egg, and the Great North Museum: Hancock holds a unique carving found at Housesteads Roman Fort showing the birth of Mithras from the cosmic egg.
Andrew Parkin, keeper of archaeology at the Great North Museum: Hancock, said: “This exhibition provides us with the unique opportunity to tell the story of the worship of Mithras in Roman Britain from two different perspectives.
“As a god worshipped both in the provincial capital of London and on the northern frontier of Hadrian’s Wall.”
Roy Stephenson, head of archaeological collections at the Museum of London, said:“We are delighted to be able to share these incredible sculptures with the North East.”