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MITHRAS depicted by the Gauls as a serpent, symbol of eternity,
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MITHRAS depicted by the Gauls as a serpent, symbol of eternity,
MITHRAS depicted by the Gauls as a serpent, symbol of eternity, and - in this case - accompanied by Signs of the Zodiac Date: circa 1st century BC
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Media ID 20143567
© Bubblepunk
Accompanied Case Celts Depicted Eternity Gauls Mithras Serpent Signs Symbol Zodiac
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image depicts Mithras, the ancient Iranian god of contracts, oaths, and fertility, as he is believed to have been worshipped by the Celts during the 1st century BC. Mithras is shown here in his typical guise as a deity, with the body of a man and the head of a bull, holding a short sword in one hand and a phallus in the other. The serpent coiled around him represents the symbol of eternity and the cycle of life and death. The intriguing addition to this representation of Mithras is the presence of the signs of the zodiac surrounding him. The twelve zodiac symbols are arranged in a circle around the god, emphasizing the connection between Mithras and the cosmos. This arrangement reflects the belief that Mithras controlled the celestial bodies and the cycles of nature. The influence of Mithraic worship spread from its Persian origins to the Roman Empire, and later to the Celtic world, through the Roman military. The exact reasons for the adoption of Mithraic beliefs by the Celts are not entirely clear, but it is believed that the god's association with fertility, protection, and the cycles of nature resonated with the Celtic people. This striking print, with its intricate detail and rich symbolism, offers a glimpse into the complex and intriguing religious practices of ancient civilizations. The image of Mithras surrounded by the signs of the zodiac serves as a reminder of the enduring fascination humans have held for the mysteries of the cosmos and the deities that governed them.
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