RELICS OF THE SUNGOD.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XVIII, Issue XVIII, 24 October 1912, Page 6

RELICS OF THE SUNGOD.

EXCAVATIONS AT ROME.

A new light on the history of Mith,raism, the cult of the Persian Sun God whose struggle for supremacy over Christianity in the latter days "of the Roman. Empire is best known to us through the lite labors of Franz Cumont, is emanating from the vast excavations that are now' proceeding at the great Baths of Caracalla at Itome (states the London Chronicle's correspondent).

The largest, most complete, and most interesting temple of Mithra yet known is being unearthed there. It is also the deepest of the subterranean -sanctuaries of the Sun God ever discovered, all the chambers being quite inaccessible to the light of day. The temple proper underlies the spacious Stadium, which seems to have served the Roman bathers for gymnastic exercises, and consists of a central nave 75ft. long, flanked on either side by •an aisle divided by pillars into three section*.

The pavement of the main nave is composed of designs in black and white 'mosaic work. The floor of the aisles of a considerably higher level, with a downward slope towards the outer walls, was intended to facilitate the posture of the faithful, who had to prostrate themselves to the ground with their faces toward** the centre of the temple, where sacred rites were being enacted The building measures 30ft. in width. In the chapel alongside the principal porch has been dug out a marvellous statue of Venus, larger than life, in the act of arranging her tresses. Many relics of Mfthra worship are oonnng to light. One of these ' bears the inscription: "Sum Mithra, the only god and incomparable sovereign of the world."

Another votive offering is inscribed: "To Mithva, the Sun God, great Serapis, the savioar, who grants riches, hears prayers, bestows benefits, and is unrivalled and unknowable, this is dedicated, for graces received."