Mithraism

English Etymology Translation (1903) of en fr mithriacisme, as used in 1899 by Franz Cumont as shorthand for "mystères de Mithra". Cumont was convinced that Mithraism was "Roman Mazdaism", hence his (and earlier) treatments of Latin Mithras and Avestan Mithra as synonyms, and the continuing de-inflection of the Latin name (vocative) as French Mithra. Pronunciation en LL-Q1860 (eng)-Sumxr-Mithraism.wav US Proper noun An astrology-based, middle-platonic mystery religion of the 1st-4th century Roman Empire that claimed to have been founded by Zoroaster, admitted only men, and was especially popular among the Roman military. en 1920 Edward Carpenter Edward Carpenter Pagan and Christian Creeds 1921 New York Harcourt, Brace and Co. 41 It has left many monuments of itself here in Britain. At Rome the worship was extremely popular, and it may almost be said to have been a matter of chance whether Mithraism should overwhelm Christianity, or whether the younger religion by adopting many of the rites of the older one should establish itself (as it did) in the face of the latter. "Confirmation is mithraism. So is baptism, only it was blood instead of water. As to the sacrificial meal..." Mason put his fingers in his ears. Translations an ancient mystery cult Dutch: nl mithraïsme n French: fr mithraïsme m German: de Mithraskult m, de Mithraismus m Greek: el μιθραϊσμός m Italian: it mitraismo m Polish: pl mitraizm m Portuguese: pt mitraísmo m Romanian: ro mithraism n Spanish: es mitraísmo m Welsh: cy Mithräeth f en terms suffixed with -ism en Mithraism