%0 PDF %T A Meal with Mithras: Examining the Role of the Sacred Repast Within the Roman Cult of Mithraism. %A Graham, Anna F. %D 2014-09-09-04:00 %8 2014-05-01 %I Tufts Archival Research Center %R http://localhost/files/6682xg407 %X Abstract: The cult of Mithraism is one of many mystery cults within Roman imperial religious culture. However, what sets Mithraism apart, and makes it a special interest for scholarly study, is the lack of primary source accounts and textual documents of the cult liturgy, activity, and culture. While many aspects of the cult have been examined by scholars, the repast, an aspect of cult iconography and mythology as well as an actual activity, has received relatively little attention. This study argues that the meal is one of the central aspects of cult ritual activity and therefore that a study such as this one is necessary for better understanding the cult. In examining comparative meal culture, such as elite dining and religious feasts, as well as cult architecture and archaeological material, this study aims to not only define the role of the meal within the cult, but also highlight its importance to cult life and activity as well as looking at some of the specifics of frequency of occurrence and attendance. %G eng %[ 2022-10-07 %9 Text %~ Tufts Digital Library %W Institution