mikey Posted February 10, 2011 The mystery cult of Mithras flourished within the Roman Empire in the first few centuries of the Common Era, it was particularly popular with soldiers. The basic essence of the temple design is an underground structure with a source of water. I used a degree of artistic licence with this, to be totally accurate the benches should line the walls, and not face the statue. But this is my Lego, and its not historically accurate... An overview: Do you dare to enter the realm of Mithras? The temple module: Inside: Mithras: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Baylego Posted February 10, 2011 Cool! Your archwork over the statue is excellent and gives it a very realistic feel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XimenaPaulina Posted February 10, 2011 Excellent creation mikey! Looking at the first photo, I knew there was something interesting inside that underground temple. And lo and behold, the interiors are simply wonderful! Gotta love the depths of those arches. Great job! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fred67 Posted February 10, 2011 Cool! Your archwork over the statue is excellent and gives it a very realistic feel. Agreed, a very nice job on the arches. I also wonder about the gray in the statue... I seem to have a hell of a time trying to find gray pieces to make a nice complete statue. Is that a SW helmet? I even like the grassy-ness of the outside. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sirens-of-Titan Posted February 10, 2011 Mikey, very cool idea! I am particularly fond of the original setup and the cutaway look of the build. Like others said the arches are a very impressive feature, and of course the tile work is great! PS I like your cult leader; very charismatic! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Blackmoor Posted February 10, 2011 This is very original indeed! I like the temple roof a lot, the arches work really well. I also like the foliage outside. Nice job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Admiral Croissant Posted February 10, 2011 Very original idea, and well elaborated The temple is excellent, with all those torches, arches and the statue. What I don't really get though is how the entrance part is attached to the temple part.. Is the temple on the left when you go down the stairs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikey Posted February 10, 2011 Thanks for the positive comments from you all. This was definitely a fun build, with quite a few problems that needed to be solved to get it how I wanted it. Once this idea was planted in my head, I knew I had to build this obscure Roman cult temple even though it needed to be underground! I tried a version with a cutaway side, but it kind of ruined the effect of the roof (which was my favourite part in building). Agreed, a very nice job on the arches. I also wonder about the gray in the statue... I seem to have a hell of a time trying to find gray pieces to make a nice complete statue. Is that a SW helmet? I even like the grassy-ness of the outside. Cheers! I wanted a dark bley statue because I wanted it to stand out from the light bley masonry. The helmet is the AT-ST Pilot Helmet, I have always liked its classical clean lines. Getting all the parts cost a bit in postage though, hands from one shop, arms from another, another order for the head! Also this was the first time I took the arms off a torso, I had never done that as a kid (torsos were to precious!). Very original idea, and well elaborated The temple is excellent, with all those torches, arches and the statue. What I don't really get though is how the entrance part is attached to the temple part.. Is the temple on the left when you go down the stairs? Cheers! This was difficult to photograph properly. The stairs lead down, turn left and lead down again, to enter the temple. It was impossible to get a good shot of them because they were hidden. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO Guy Bri Posted February 11, 2011 This is really neat Mikey Great work on the attention to detail! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cutty Posted February 11, 2011 Cool moc! Having studied classics and archaeology for quite some time and having been in an actual mithraeum once I can assure you that your rendition gives away a very authentic feel! I especially dig (yeah pun, bite me ;-) ) the inconspicious entrace to the subterraenean temple. Its interior with the archwork and all the torches are excellent, too. Only the statue seems a little understated for this immortal sun-deity. Thumbs up! Be well all! Cutty Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hartfan Posted February 11, 2011 Nicely done. I really like pictures. Great MOC. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derfel Cadarn Posted February 11, 2011 This is a great little moc! Its nice someone brought up this particular pagen god, as one point he was worshiped as the soldier god. Many warriors would worship mithras as they believed he gave them strength in battle. Ive heard that he was associated with the bull and their ceromonies usually involved killing a bull when a new person was admitted and so they would drain the blood and the new member would have to drink it. Also there was a code between warriors that if they were to kill another mithrasist in battle then they would have to honor them in death and make sure they have their sword in hand when they died, so they would be able to cross the bridge of swords and forever feast in thes of the otherworld. Anyway, im no historian. Great moc and topic! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alois Posted February 13, 2011 Your MOC certainly captures the atmosphere of an underground mithraeum. The one thing that I'm missing is the bull, that Mithras is supposed to have slain. It's the most characteristic image of Mithras. But I suppose it is hard to render in Lego. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nindja10 Posted February 13, 2011 WOW this is amazing MOC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lefty Posted February 14, 2011 Very nice build there, what torso is that statue sporting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Commander Laquiet Posted February 14, 2011 Great work! Awesome idea and executed very well indeed. I really admire the arch work inside, and your plant life looks lush and green. Great! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lego_legis_legere Posted January 28, 2012 Excellent ! I'm a rather good specialist of Roman history (actually I work on Roman burial) and I share your vision of a Mithraeum. There is just missing the sacrifice of a bull ^^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
