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Mithras: Cult and Mysteries

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Mithras: Cult and Mysteries The search for ‘Mithra’ takes us to Persia, three millennia ago; to India, where the Rigveda recounts his arrival there and transformation into a solar deity, Surya ; to Rome and Ostia , where in the first century AD traders established a western cult of Mithra across Bulgaria, Hungary and Germany finally to London, whither the cult brought by legionaries in the Roman army. In most of the lands formerly occupied by the Roman Empire. Christianity and Islam brought an end to the worship of Mithra. The exception is in Indian subcontinent, where Hinduism tolerated other cults and from ‘Mitra’ sun god ‘Surya’ originated. MarblestatueofMithras(2nd Century BC) slaying the Bull. Mithrasisshownineastern costume, including trousers and Phrygian cap. A dog and snake are shown trying to lick the blood and a scorpion is attacking the bull's genital. This Exhibition will situate the ‘Mithra’ sculpture from Greek‐Rome department supported with numismatic evidence from Coins & Medal Department. Part of London Mithraeum will be reconstructed to create the ambiance of the cult. One descriptive map in one side of the room will be showing the five phases of this cult Origin, Voyage, Culmination, Decline and Sustain supported by numismatic evidence and text. Plan of reconstruction of Temple of Mithras, London. The statute of Mithras will be installed in end as showed in plan. Light and sound effect will create the setting of the temple particularly the initiation ceremony in Mithraism . • School Students • University Students specially from Classical History & Archaeology • Academics, researcher and the general public with a particular interest in religion/art • London and UK residents in connection with Middle East and South Asia • International Tourists. • Further research on this cult • Attract new audience drawn from south Asian and middle eastern communities • Discussion between different religious faiths • Show London’s cosmopolitan background from historic period. 2014 will be the 60th Anniversary of discovery of London Mithraeum. It could be a celebration of this discovery if this exhibition will happen during this time. This exhibition can travel all these UK partner museums which housed roman antiquities related with Mithra cult. This would be a collaborative effort to maximize the information in corroboration with these museums collection. • Museum Of London • Ashmolean Museum, Oxford • The Collection, Lincoln • Yorkshire Museum • The Great North Museum, New Castle • Minister of Culture • Mayor of London • Sheriff of London • Diplomats • Directors of UK Partner museums • Academics, Researchers and Students of Classical History and Archaeology • Media • Seminar/ Colloquium on Mithra highlighting its scope of further research • Performance of initiation in Mithra Cult or Roman Religion • Young Friend’s sleepover through story telling session on Mithra Cult and his connection with other religion • Gallery Talk/ Study days • Group lecture packages on Roman religion • Guided tour of London Mithraeum and other roman remains in London • Film Show based on Roman History. • Corporate • Trust & Charity • Individual Sponsorship‐ Full/partial • Sharing costs with other UK partner museums. • Advertisement‐ Transport/ Print & Broadcasting media • Poster • Online/ Website • Brochure • Internal Network with Members/ Friends of Museum/Trustees. • Memento/ Replica of Mithra sculpture • Replicas of coins containing Mithra figure • Costume of Mithra, specially Phrygian cap and boot • Research publication on Mithra Cult • Musk of Mithra, Replica of Roman wine cup • Plaque depicted Mithra figure/ Key ring • Picture post card/ Wall hanging • T –Shirt containing map of Roman Britain/ London Acknowledgement I am highly thankful to, Allen & Company Dr. Sona Datta Dr. T.Richard Blurton ITP British Museum.
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