Mithraicism

9.9

An ancient Persian religion that worshipped the god Mithras and was popular in Rome

noun
/ˌmɪθrəˈɪsɪzəm/

Literature

: mitraísmo

The mysterious rituals of Mithraicism were often conducted in underground temples called Mithraea.

Examples

Scholars have debated the influence of Mithraicism on early Christianity.
Interest in Mithraicism has grown among historians studying ancient Persian and Roman cultures.
The followers of Mithraicism held secretive rituals.
Many scholars study Mithraicism to understand ancient beliefs.
Interest in Mithraicism has grown among historians studying ancient Persian and Roman cultures.
Scholars have debated the influence of Mithraicism on early Christianity.
The mysterious rituals of Mithraicism were often conducted in underground temples called Mithraea.

Synonyms

Mithraism

vsMithraicism

Literature

1 9.9

An ancient Persian religion that worships a god called Mithras

means the same thing but appears as an alternative form in writing

Surface Forms

Mithraicism singular

Mithraicisms plural

Morphology

Mithraicism = Mithra (opaque) = Mithra + icism

The suffix 'icism' indicates a system of belief, but the specific religious context is not derivable from the base name 'Mithra' alone.

Etymology

Mithraicism comes from Mithra, the name of an ancient Persian 'god', plus the ending -ism, which means a 'belief' or 'system'. So Mithraicism is the 'belief system of Mithra'. This religion became popular in the Roman world, especially with soldiers, and its secret ceremonies were often held in underground temples.