Temple of Mithras (Hadrian's Wall)
Recommended by
Overview
There’s a fascinating whiff of blood and steel in the air here, where three third-century AD altars to Mithras, the enigmatic, bull-slaying deity worshipped by many Roman soldiers, were uncovered by a farmer in 1949. The temple was built low and dark, representing the cave where Mithras slew the primeval bull and in doing so brought innumerable benefits to mankind. The uninitiated gathered in a small ante-room. Beyond this was the temple, with three altars (those you see today are replicas) and statues of Mithras’s attendants, Cautes, with his torch raised to represent light, and Cautopates, torch down for darkness.One of the altars shows Mithras as the Unconquered Sun. Above the altars there was once a sculpture of Mithras and the Bull – perhaps destroyed by Christians during the fourth century. The seven Mithraic grades of worshippers – Father, Courier of the Sun, Persian, Lion, Soldier, Bridegroom and Raven – would sit or kneel on low wattle and wooden platforms as the mysteries, which included a symbolic meal of bread and water, took place.to see the original altars and a vivid, full-scale reconstruction of the temple, visit the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open at any reasonable time
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
About the area
If it’s history you’re after, there’s heaps of it in Northumberland. On Hadrian’s Wall you can imagine scarlet-cloaked Roman legionaries keeping watch for painted Pictish warriors while cursing the English weather and dreaming of home.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Hall Barns B&B
Hall Barns B&B is a detached farmhouse located on the edge of Hadrian’s Wall. A working farm, the property has been refurbished to a high standard in both the comfortable en-suite bedro...
Old Repeater Station
Old Repeater Station started life as one of several buildings used as repeater stations on the Newcastle to Carlisle railway line. Now converted into a bed and breakfast, it enjoys an e...
Chesters Stables
Chesters Stables is a collection of luxurious self-catering Stable Suites, sleeping between 2-8 guests. Ideally situated in the heart of gorgeous Northumberland and only minutes away fr...
Stay on the Hill
In the beautiful Northumberland Tyne Valley, Stay on the Hill comprises three different size self-catering properties within a tranquil, family-owned estate. A stone’s throw from Hadria...
Warksburn Old Church
Warksburn Old Church is an exceptional renovation of an iconic building, the world’s first Passivhaus-certified church conversion. High end luxury in a Net Zero home, with extensive vie...
Warksburn Old Church
Warksburn Old Church is an exceptional renovation of an iconic building, the world’s first Passivhaus-certified church conversion. High end luxury in a Net Zero home, with extensive vie...
Coachman's Cottage
Awaiting description...
Stable Cottage
Awaiting description...
