Mithraism

Mystery religion based on the worship of the Persian god of light, Mithras, and the religious ideals of redemption and salvation; baptism in blood was the pledge. Spreading throughout Asia Minor, it was introduced into the Roman Empire about 68 BC, according to Plutarch by Pompey's pirate captives from Cilicia. By about AD 250, it rivalled Christianity in strength.

The taurobolium, a bath in the blood of a sacrificed bull (the symbol of generation), formed part of the initiation ceremony of the cult, which spread rapidly, gaining converts especially among soldiers; its shrines have been found wherever the Roman legions went.

The Mithraic Mysteries offered seven stages of transformation for the initiate and the cult produced masters in the arts of magic, astrology and healing.

In the struggle of paganism with Christianity, Mithraism exercised a powerful attraction and, though at first a form of sun worship, it became modified by syncretism (the compromise and fusion of differing religious beliefs and practices).