Frederick Webb

• BA (Hons) Ancient History & Archaeology
• Mithraism in Roman Britain

Mithraism is a Graeco-Roman cult, which appeared in Roman Britain between the 1^st and 4^th centuries AD. The cult worshipped the Eastern God Mithras. Cults arose across the Empire based on the members perception of Mithras as a protection against evil. Worship took place in underground temples called Mithraeum. The major example of a Mithraeum is the London Mithraeum at Walbrook. Excavations took place in 1954 and revealed dedications to multiple deities. Notable examples include the head of Serapis and marble dedications to Minerva and Mithras. The Great North Museum will have these dedications on public display from July to September. The Museum also holds exhibits to other Mithraic sites in Roman Britain. The aim of the research project is to enhance our understanding of the impact of Mithraism on society and everyday life in Roman Britain.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Federico Santangelo