Mithras Slaying the Bull (Tauroctony) from the London Mithraeum

Mithras Slaying the Bull (Tauroctony) from the London Mithraeum

Mithras Slaying the Bull (Tauroctony) from the London Mithraeum, late 2nd – early 3rd c, Roman, London, marble, 43.2 x 50.8 cm, London, Museum of London.

Museum Description: “This marble sculpture is from the Temple of Mithras which once stood in the City. It shows Mithras plunging his dagger into the neck of a bull from whose blood sprang everlasting life. The inscription reads 'Ulpius Silvanus, initiated into a Mithraic grade at Orange, France, paid his vow to Mithras'. This could indicate that Silvanus built the temple in London. Mithras was originally a god from Iran. His cult was adopted in Rome and travelled the Empire with the army. Only men could become members.”

https://collections.museumoflondon.org.uk/online/object/467882.html

Museum of London A16933