What lies underground, right next to the Circus Maximus, remained a secret for centuries… until it was uncovered in 1931 during the construction of a storage building for the Rome Opera Theatre.
Here, you can explore the remains of a hidden Roman temple used by a mystery cult in the 2nd century AD. It is known as the Mithraeum of the Ara Maxima! 🤩
But what exactly is a Mithraeum?
A Mithraeum was a temple of the Mithraic mystery cult, a religion that was as widespread as Christianity in the early centuries of the Roman Empire. Its followers worshipped the god Mithra, and their rituals took place in these small, underground spaces known as Mithraea.
Mithraism was practiced exclusively by men, and its rites were revealed only to initiates. This exclusivity, in contrast to the more inclusive nature of Christianity, contributed to its decline, and the cult disappeared by the 5th century.
Now, take a closer look and step underground into this hidden temple.
📍You’ll find it in Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 16
