Mithras

The Cult of Mithras was one of the mystery cults of Rome, prevalent between the 1st and 4th centuries AD among the Roman military and low-ranking nobles. Rituals and gatherings were held in natural caves or artificial caverns, known as mithræum. Followers were divided into seven ranks, through which they were expected to progress as they became more and more spiritually enlightened. The Cult of Mithras is especially steeped in imagery, the most iconic of which being a representation of Mithras killing a sacred bull which was associated with spring. Mithras is depicted as an energetic young man, wearing a Phrygian cap, a short tunic that flares at the hem, pants and a cloak which furls out behind him. Mithras grasps the bull so as to force it into submission, with his knee on its back and one hand forcing back its head while he stabs it in the neck with a short sword. The figure of Mithras is usually shown at a diagonal angle and with the face turned forward. The Cult of Mithras is supposed to have historical ties to Zoroastrianism. By the 3rd century, The Cult of Mithras was officialy sanctioned by the Roman Emporers. The cause of the religion's decline is uncertain, but most believe it to be tied to Theodosius' edict against paganism in 394.