Mithras in Relief

My reading has indicated that relief sculptures of Mithras
are actually more common than sculptures in the round.
This relief (with the inscription dedicated to Mithras as unconquered sun god)
is also in the Vatican Museum, hall of the animals,
I believe the Pio-Clementine wing,
though I'd have to double check my museum guide.
At any rate, this is also a very fine piece.

Mithras in the Vatican Museum

This particular Mithras has been restored a lot,
so of course he looks great.
He's got the Phrygian cap on,
and as he stabs the bull the three animals are apparent-
the snake and dog (in this detail)
as well as the scorpion down by his testicles-
who tried to steal the bull's blood.
It's a very classical looking piece.

Mithras at Ostia

The top two photos are from Ostia's Mithras baths,
with a reconstruction of the original statue.
The bottom two show the statue in the Ostia museum,
along with a detail of the inscription on the bull.
This dates from the first century A.D.
I am very pleased to have these pictures in my collection,
as I find Mithraea very interesting.
(Mithras was a Persian solar god who slew a mythic bull
and thus brought life to the world.)
I love this Mithraeum, too.
It's extremely atmospheric,
and visiting it was definitely my favorite part of Ostia.

Mexico in Rome

Above are two views of a Very Fine Feathered Serpent

from 15th century Mexico (Aztec)

on display in the Vatican Museums right now.

I love the concept of the snake having feathers

instead of scales.

It's a rattlesnake.

See its fangs and rattle?

As well as the very cute forked tongue...

And below is a sign for a Mexican restuarant.

Check out the sombrero adornment.

I personally would not want to eat

at a place with a cockroach pictured on ANY kind of hat,

though I can't help but be curious what passes

for "Mexican food" in Rome...