A Roman Temple in the heart of London? London Mithraeum - January 2019

Imagine that! In the 3rd century AD, a temple to the god Mithras was built on reclaimed land next to the Walbrook river - one of London's lost rivers. For many aeons it was lost,  rediscovered by chance in 1954 on a bomb site, and only excavated in 2010 - 2014 when Bloomberg were building their European headquarters. The current site is a re-creation of the original temple close by as the original site is too fragile to display.

On a freezing day in January we headed to London to check this out.

Modern street level is up to 9 metres above the temple. A good indication of how not removing your rubbish changes the landscape, but also the great fire of London and the WWII bombings may have had some impact. A boon for archaeologists though.

Very little is known of the Cult of Mithras and what is known is conjecture as a result of examination of artifacts found on digs.  The slaughter of the bull is always a central motif in every mithraeum but it appears that the cult, though secretive, was mainly involved in feasting (an extreme form of loyalty programme!) The cult was widespread in the Roman Empire but it's etymology is the Persians and the Ancient Greeks.

This marble head of Mithras was found on the last day of excavations in 1954 - fortuitous indeed. 

 

 

  

This museum is really worth a visit if you have the time.  The exhibition of artifacts found is fascinating and the staff are really friendly and well informed.  Entrance is free but you will need to book - www.londonmithraeum.com. It's located near to Bank tube station. 

Out in to the cold, we took a stroll down past St Pauls and across the river to the Tate Modern. 

 

One of these days I will actually go in here ...

 Kate & Kean were doing the London experience and staying overnight with Tessa & David. I just wanted to get warm, so that was me for the day.