An Attempt to Date
Mithras
July 21, 2015
G.D.O'Bradovich III
citations and select commentary
The Oxford English Dictionary has been consulted.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia ii. sig. Qi,
There is one chiefe and pryncipall God..whome they all commonly in theire countrey language call Mythra [L. Mythram].
The first reference of the ancient God is from 1551.
1585 T. Washington tr. N. de Nicolay Nauigations Turkie iv. ii. 115
[They] worshipped the Sunne, which they called Mitra [Fr.Mithra].
Mithra is identical to the sun [1585].
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 1306
This Zoroastres..named the good god Oromazes, and the other Arimanius..he gave out..also that there is one in the middes betweene them, named Mithres [Fr. Mithres, Gk. Μίθρην, accusative]: (and heereupon it is, that the Persians call an intercessor or mediator Mithres).
The "intercessor or mediator" is named Mithras [1603].
1648a R. Crashaw Poems (1904) 365
Before the Infant Shrine Of my weake feet the Persian Magi lay And left their Mithra for my star.
1678 R. Cudworth tr. Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite in True Intellect Syst. i. iv. 288
The Persian Magi to this very day, celebrate a Festival Solemnity in honour of the Triplasian (that is, the Three-fold or Triplicated) Mithras.
1737 R. Glover Leonidas iv. 132
O great Mithra, may thy radiant eye Ne'er see us, yielding to ignoble flight.
1747 W. Stukeley Acct. Bas-relief of Mithras found at York
The Mithriac Ceremonies..were but the expiring Remains of the antient, patriarchal Religion.
Worship of Mithras was the remnant of the patriarchal religion [1747].
1752 Philos. Trans. 1749–50 (Royal Soc.) 46 216
The Romans became extremely fond of the Mithriac Sacreds.
The Romans are fond of Mithras [1752].
1776 Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xvi. 672
We might quote..the mysterious worship of Mythras, and the Taurobolia.
1803 G. S. Faber Diss. Myst. Cabiri II. 380
His opinion, that the ornamented artificial cavern,..and the circular speluncèan temple, were all the legitimate descendants of the Mithratic grotto.
We learn that Mithras is associated with a grotto, not unlike Christ's birth in a cave [1803].
1816 G. S. Faber Origin Pagan Idolatry III. 178
Porphyry..tells us, that the Mithratic grotto was a symbol of the World, and that it was dedicated to Mithras in the capacity of the great demiurgic father.
1818 R. P. Knight Symbolic Lang. §168. 135
Another mode of mystic purification by baptism was the Taurobolium..of the Mithriac rites. [Index has Mithraic rites.]
In 1818, we learn that baptism was an aspect of the cult of Mithras.
1822 J. Hodgson in Archæologia Æliana 1 284
Montfaucon thinks these two attendants are also Mithrases.
1822 R. K. Porter Trav. Georgia I. 673
The true faith, from a dateless epoch in Persian annals until the conquest of the Arabs, was the Mithratic mystery.
1864 C. W. King Gnostics 248 (Index),
Mithraicising Christians.
1864 C. W. King Gnostics 47
The Mithras-worship at first indeed makes its appearance as a distinct creed.
1864 C. W. King Gnostics 49
Such a connexion was actually declared by the partisans of Mithraicism.
1864 C. W. King Gnostics 62
The author of the Apocalypse probably had the Mithraicists in view in penning this allegory.
In 1864, we learn of about the connection between, Mithras, the Gnostics, and Christianity.
1864 E. B. Pusey Daniel viii. 537
The Satrap sent the King yearly 20,000 colts for the Mithriacs.
1867 Littell's Living Age 27 July 228
The Mithratic worship, a singular form of Zoroastrianism, had gradually gained an ascendancy among the later forms of worship at Rome.
Mithratic worship is descended from Zoroastrianism [1867].
1876 A. Wilder in R. P. Knight's Symbolic Lang. p. xix,
The Albigenses, it is supposed, were Manicheans or Mithracising Christians.
In 1867, it is speculated that the Albigienses were Mithraic Christians.
1878 H. C. Coote in Archaeologia (1882) 47 206
A similarly acuminated stone was found in the Mithraeum at S. Clemente in Rome.
A stone associated with Mithras is found in a Roman church [1878].
1878 H. C. Coote in Archaeologia (1882) 47 206
A stone commemorating this birth of Mithras was an object of adoration amongst the Mithraicists.
A stone was venerated by the followers of Mithras [1878].
1888 Pop. Sci. Monthly Feb. 560/1
Mithraicism, with explanations of its alliance with Occidental Christianity.
In 1888, the "alliance" between the cult Mithras and western Christianity is explored.
1888 Pop. Sci. Monthly June 283
Whether the Christians borrowed from the Mithraists or the Mithraists from the Christians.
in 1888, it was uncertain which religion was the first, Mithras or Christ.
1898 Contemp. Rev. Jan. 96
The Lord's Supper was modified to meet the Christians who had been converted from Mithraicism
Ten years later, it is speculated that followers of Mithras were converting to Christianity [1898].
1900 Open Court May 290 Mithraistic Cameos.
Showing Mithras born from the rocks.., surrounded by Mithraistic symbols, among them the cup and bread of the Eucharist.
In 1900, the cult of Mithras has a cup, bread, and a Eucharist.
1900 Pilot 24 Mar. 94/2
The lion-headed human figure..that so often occurs in the Mithræa.
In 1900, we learn the lion headed figure is often associated with Mithras, not unlike the Jesus, who is described as the lion of the tribe of Judah.
1900 Pilot 24 Mar. 94/2
The Mithraists identified him [sc. Ormuzd] with the Roman Jupiter.
1903 J. Moffat in Expositor Dec. 469
The Mithra-cult.
1918 E. L. Masters Toward Gulf 238
There will be strife 'Twixt Montanist and Ebionite, Gnostic, Mithraist, Manichean.
In 1918, there is speculation about strife between Gnostics and followers of Mithra.
1920 Glasgow Herald 1 May 4
Hymn-writing..ran too much to gloomy terrorism and Mithraistic images of wounds and blood.
1949 M. L. King Study of Mithraism in R. E. Luker & P. A. Russell Papers Martin Luther King, Jr. (1992) 213
He created Mithra equal to himself and made him chief among the yazatas.
1955 L. Woolley Alalakh ii. 69 (note)
The Mithræum is nearly always small.
Mithraeums are small, like a chapel [1955].
1956 Jrnl. Hist. Ideas 17 43
His doctrine..contained Christian and Mithraistic elements.
1990 G. I. Langmuir Towards Definition Antisemitism v. 110
Christians..were..a minority surrounded by polytheists, philosophers, Mithraists, and others.
In 1990, we learn that Christians were a minority compared to the larger membership of the Mithraists.
1991 Greece & Rome 38 109
One was a mithraeum... The other was a heavily decorated synagogue.
In 1991, synagogues are seen to be contemporary with mithraeums.
1994 Food & Wine Oct. 62/2
The basilica is actually three places of worship..: an ancient Roman shrine to the god Mithras is on the bottom.
1997 Chicago Daily Herald (Nexis) 19 Dec. 1
The date..was chosen by the Roman Emperor Constantine because of its significance in the Mithriac religion.
In 1997, we learn dates are chosen for their significance to the Mithriac religion, notably Christmas.
1997 Santa Fe New Mexican (Nexis) 20 Dec. b6
The so-called Mithratic cults celebrated their idea of Christmas on Dec. 25.
commentary upon selected commentary
The first reference of the ancient God is from 1551.
Like the Druids, the knowledge of Mithras was lost in England.
Mithra is identical to the sun [1585].
The "intercessor or mediator" is named Mithras [1603].
Mithras is not unlike a Christian saint who intercedes for the faithful.
Worship of Mithras was the remnant of the patriarchal religion and first mention of bas-reliefs [1747].
Speculation that Mithras followed the Pagan Romans.
The Romans are fond of Mithras [1752].
We learn that Mithras is associated with a grotto, not unlike Christ's birth in a cave [1803].
In 1818, we learn that baptism was an aspect of the cult of Mithras.
This is similar to Christianity.
In 1864, we learn of about the supposed connection between, Mithras, the Gnostics and Christianity.
Mithratic worship is descended from Zoroastrianism [1867].
This is speculation and not demonstrable.
In 1867, it is speculated that the Albigienses were Mithraic Christians.
A stone was venerated by the followers of Mithras found in a Roman church [1878].
This is similar to Christian veneration of relics of saints found in churches.
In 1888, the "alliance" between the cult Mithras and western Christianity is explored.
In 1888, it was uncertain which religion was the first, Mithras or Christ.
As more is written about Mithras, the more similarities appear.
Ten years later, it is speculated that followers of Mithras were converting to Christianity [1898]
We now know Mithras processed Christ.
In 1900, the cult of Mithras has a cup, bread and a Eucharist.
More time; more similarities to Christianity.
In 1900, we learn the lion headed figure is often associated with Mithras, not unlike the Jesus, who is described as the lion of the tribe of Judah.
In 1918, there is speculation about strife between Gnostics and followers of Mithra.
Mithraeums are small [1955].
In 1990, we learn that Christians were a minority compared to the larger membership of the Mithraists.
This is a deduction based on previous speculations.
In 1991, synagogues are seen to be contemporary with mithraeums.
But no churches. Perhaps the mention of church was omitted in the ellipse.
In 1997, we learn dates are chosen for their significance to the Mithriac religion, notably Christmas.
Since Mithras proceeded Christ and Constantine was a follower of the sun cult, Mithraic festivals were converted to Christian holidays.
Like the Druids, the knowledge of Mithras was lost in England.
Mithra is identical to the sun [1585].
The "intercessor or mediator" is named Mithras [1603].
Mithras is not unlike a Christian saint who intercedes for the faithful.
Worship of Mithras was the remnant of the patriarchal religion and first mention of bas-reliefs [1747].
Speculation that Mithras followed the Pagan Romans.
The Romans are fond of Mithras [1752].
We learn that Mithras is associated with a grotto, not unlike Christ's birth in a cave [1803].
In 1818, we learn that baptism was an aspect of the cult of Mithras.
This is similar to Christianity.
In 1864, we learn of about the supposed connection between, Mithras, the Gnostics and Christianity.
Mithratic worship is descended from Zoroastrianism [1867].
This is speculation and not demonstrable.
In 1867, it is speculated that the Albigienses were Mithraic Christians.
A stone was venerated by the followers of Mithras found in a Roman church [1878].
This is similar to Christian veneration of relics of saints found in churches.
In 1888, the "alliance" between the cult Mithras and western Christianity is explored.
In 1888, it was uncertain which religion was the first, Mithras or Christ.
As more is written about Mithras, the more similarities appear.
Ten years later, it is speculated that followers of Mithras were converting to Christianity [1898]
We now know Mithras processed Christ.
In 1900, the cult of Mithras has a cup, bread and a Eucharist.
More time; more similarities to Christianity.
In 1900, we learn the lion headed figure is often associated with Mithras, not unlike the Jesus, who is described as the lion of the tribe of Judah.
In 1918, there is speculation about strife between Gnostics and followers of Mithra.
Mithraeums are small [1955].
In 1990, we learn that Christians were a minority compared to the larger membership of the Mithraists.
This is a deduction based on previous speculations.
In 1991, synagogues are seen to be contemporary with mithraeums.
But no churches. Perhaps the mention of church was omitted in the ellipse.
In 1997, we learn dates are chosen for their significance to the Mithriac religion, notably Christmas.
Since Mithras proceeded Christ and Constantine was a follower of the sun cult, Mithraic festivals were converted to Christian holidays.
conclusion
We remind the Gentle Reader that the cult of Mithras flourished for hundreds of years in western and northern Europe. Whereas Jesus is depicted in various events and circumstances, all of the depictions show Mithras killing a bull, not unlike a defining moment of a Saint, such as Saint George killing the dragon.
We conclude our study of Mithras with a floor plan of a temple of Mithras. Such discoveries today entail bringing experts to the site to determine if the structure was a mithraeum or a church. If the Gentle Researcher uses the famous "Duck Test", it will not be necessary to have a doctorate in Mithraic studies to realize the floor plan is of a church.