Description

The silver plate shows the central event from the cult legend of the god Mithras: In the background of a small temple, an arch indicates the grotto in which Mithras kills the bull, surrounded by seven stars. A bell hangs above the god's head. The scene is flanked by the two torchbearers Cautes and Cautopates. Above them appears the bust of Sol (Sun) on the left and that of Luna (Moon) on the right. Gathered under the bull are a lion, a two-handled vessel, a snake and a scorpion. The rock birth of the Mithraic boy is depicted in the gable, holding a torch and sword in his hands.

The dedicatory inscription below the temple reads:

D(eo) I(nvicto) M(ithrae) ET S(oli) S(ocio) ARGATA

V(otum) S(olvit) L(ibens) L(aetus) M(erito)

“For the undefeated god Mithras and his companion Sol, this was consecrated to Argata.

He has fulfilled his vow, happy and joyfully, as he should.”

The sheet metal lay between the base stones of the large cult image in the Stockstadt temple, which was used between 210/211 and 250 AD.