The Mystery of Mithras: A Pagan Christmas?
The Ancients24 Dec 2020

The Mystery of Mithras: A Pagan Christmas?

The clichéd Christmas: white snow, hot fires, mulled wine and a feast. This might not be the case were the holiday not to fall on 25 December and, although many things have been missed in 2020, the usual questions of whether this is the right date arrived reliably on time. So, for this episode, Tristan spoke to Professor Matthew McCarty to find out whether Christmas Day was really placed in December to supplant non-Christian worship, in particular that of Mithras. Matthew is Assistant Professor of Roman Archaeology at the University of British Columbia. He has been directing the field excavation of a mithraeum in Apulum (Romania), the first scientifically excavated mithraeum in the province of Dacia. In this festive episode, he shares his insight into the social dynamics of ritual practices in the sanctuary at Apulum and elsewhere.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avsnitt(599)

Demeter with Natalie Haynes

Demeter with Natalie Haynes

Demeter is the Goddess of the Harvest and Agriculture in Ancient Greek mythology.Mother of Persephone, and daughter of Kronos and Rhea, Demeter is often overlooked in myth despite her immense power. D...

7 Dec 202352min

Origins of Sparta

Origins of Sparta

Considered one of Athens' biggest rivals, and known for their bloodthirsty and brutal nature - there's a reason the Spartans have been immortalised in history. With longstanding mythological origins, ...

2 Dec 202354min

The Roman Secret Service

The Roman Secret Service

When you think of spies, images of suave men in suits sipping martinis tend to come to mind - not, well, the Romans. But espionage has been used throughout Rome's history, from it's enemies using inte...

30 Nov 202329min

The Vandals

The Vandals

Known for bringing about the fall of the Western Roman Empire - the Vandals have a reputation of violence, destruction, and conquering. Moving from Eastern Europe across Gaul, and eventually taking Ca...

26 Nov 202349min

Keros: Bronze Age Mystery

Keros: Bronze Age Mystery

While a small, uninhabited island today, Keros held significant importance during the Bronze Age. As a crucial centre for cultural practices, trade, and unique rituals nearly 5,000 years ago, it's dif...

22 Nov 202341min

Treasures of Pompeii

Treasures of Pompeii

Despite being uncovered in the 16th Century - new finds are still being discovered daily in Pompeii. With each new discovery offering a fresh insight into what life was like 2000 years ago, we're able...

19 Nov 202338min

Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings

Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings

Gold and horses! Few ancient civilisations were greater masters of metalworking and horse riding than the Saka culture of Central Asia. Also known as the ‘Eastern Scythians’, these peoples ruled over ...

16 Nov 202356min

Persephone: Queen of the Underworld

Persephone: Queen of the Underworld

This episode contains references to death and sexual assault.Persephone is Queen of the Underworld in Ancient Greek mythology. Wife of Hades, and daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone's journey to ...

11 Nov 202341min

Populärt inom Historia

motiv
massmordarpodden
historiska-brott
p3-historia
olosta-mord
historiepodden-se
rss-massmordarpodden
rss-seriemordarpodden
historianu-med-urban-lindstedt
rss-brottsligt
rss-historien-om
vetenskapsradion-historia
krigshistoriepodden
harrisons-dramatiska-historia
konspirationsteorier
podme-bio-4
nu-blir-det-historia
palmemordet
rss-arkiv-stieg
rss-borgvattnets-hemligheter