Head of Mithras from the Mitreo degli Animali, Ostia Antica

Near the altar niche in the Mitreo degli Animali in Ostia Antica, a Greek marble head of Mithras was found, approximately 0.45 meters tall. The figure has long, curly hair with seven holes where metal rays were once attached, suggesting its representation as Sol Invictus. A Phrygian cap was later discovered that belonged to this head, confirming it as an image of Mithras in his tauroktonos aspect. Additionally, a head of Sol-Helios, also with holes for rays, was found in the same area. Currently, this head of Mithras is on display in the Vatican Museums.

This piece was created by one of our top sculptors at Hephaestion (https://hephaisteion.com/), who works in Phidias’s Olympian Workshop. Through careful observation and using only three photographs of the original, our sculptor dedicated over a month of work with the utmost professionalism and devotion to bring this beautiful and exclusive piece of the god Mithras to life.