The Mithraeum of the Circus Maximus was discovered in 1931 during work carried out to create a storage area for the scenery and costumes of the Opera House. It is named after the nearby Circus Maximus but is not known to have any direct connection with the famous chariot racing site.
Mithraism was a secretive religion or cult with its roots in zoroastrianism that prospered in the Roman Empire. This site dates from the second century AD. Mithraeums were usually underground and this example is no exception. It features a number of separate chambers which surround a central sanctuary in white marble with niches for statues. A statue of Mithras would have help prime position.
A fine carved marble block, common to all mithraeums, of Mithras slaying a bull is an impressive survival. The relief also features traditional symbolic elements including the sun, moon, goat, raven, dog, lion and an ear of wheat.
The site is open only by special arrangement with the Department of Cultural Heritage of Rome.