Thursday 23 November 2017

Pagan Eye: The Roman Temple of Mithras in London


Yesterday I went to see the newly opened reconstructed Temple of Mithras in London - and it is really impressive. The temple is underneath the Bloomberg building on Walbrook, and is now part of a three-floor installation and gallery. On the first floor there is a display of finds from the archaeological dig on the site, which you can explore using a tablet device that you get handed as you enter.

On the stairs, as you descend to the lower levels, are depictions of the layers of history you are passing through and what was in the area at different dates in the past. The second level has an introduction to the the practices and symbols associated with the cult of Mithras, with interactive screens, models of cult items and an audio-visual display.

The temple itself is on the lowest level. Although you aren't allowed to walk on the actual stone of the temple floor, you can walk around it and over it on transparent platforms. As you enter, the lights dim and you see and hear a reconstruction of what a Mithraic ritual might have been like. I found it a very powerful experience. Then the light levels are raised and you can explore the temple and look at it in more detail. You are allowed to take photographs, but not with flash, which is why the photo at the top is a bit grainy.

You can visit the London Mithraeum free of charge, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, although advance booking is required via londonmithraeum.com.

My Pagan Eye posts show photos that I find interesting - seasonal images, pagan sites, events, or just pretty pictures. If you want to send me a photo for a Pagan Eye post, please email it to badwitch1234@gmail.com Let me know what the photo shows and whether you want your name mentioned or not. For copyright reasons, the photo must be one you have taken yourself.

Links and previous related posts
https://www.londonmithraeum.com/
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2017/11/reconstructed-temple-of-mithras-opens.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2014/12/pagan-london-temple-of-mithras.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2015/06/pagan-eye-altar-stone-at-verulamium.html
http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2013/09/pagan-eye-roman-goddess-luna-at-bath.html

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks fascinating and I intend to visit as soon as I can 😊

Ms-havachat said...

I went with a group of friends a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a private guide as we were doing Roman London and gained great insight into the temple. I was so impressed, going with hubby n teen this weekend.

Unknown said...

Does this temple have the seven ranks arranged on the floor, as in the temple at Ostia Italy?

Badwitch said...

I don't recall there being seven ranks on the floor, but the floor is in quite a ruinous state. You can't walk on the actual floor - there is a gantry above it that visitors use.