DOCTRINE OF THE MITHRAIC MYSTERIES
105
already consolidated its theology. Contrary to the ancient Gnuco -Roman paganism, which MITHRAIC KROXOS (^ON OR ZERVAN AKARANA) REP RESENTING BOUND LESS
The
TIiME.
here
statue
repro
duced was found in the mithraeum of Ostia before mentioned, where C. Vale rius Heracles and his sons dedicated
it
in the
year 190
A.D. This leontocephalous figure is entirely nude, the
body being entwined six by a serpent, the head of which rests on the Four skull of the god. times
wings decorated with the symbols of the seasons issue from the back. Each hand holds a key, and the right in addition a long scepter, the
A
of
symbol
thunderbolt
on the breast. of the statue
is
authority.
engraved
On the may be
base seen
hammer and tongs of Vulcan, the cock and the pine cone consecrated to
the -
^sculapius (or possibly to the Sun and to Attis), and all the wand of Mercur characteristic adjuncts of
bolizing the
gods.
(7".
embodiment
Fig. 20.
the Mithraic Saturn, and sym him of the powers of all the
in
et J/., p. 238.)
was an assemblage of practices and beliefs without logical bond, Mithraism had a genuine
/
(