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)

Attila the Hun: Terror of Rome

Attila the Hun: Terror of Rome

Returning to one of the most infamous names in history, what happened to Attila the Hun after the devastation he caused in the Balkans - and where did he turn his attention to next? One of the most po...

17 Aug 202344min

Gladiators of Pompeii

Gladiators of Pompeii

This episode contains some references to graphic violence.Gladiators are one the most enduring symbols of Ancient Rome, and Pompeii is no exception.In the second episode of our special series on Pompe...

13 Aug 202339min

Attila the Hun: Scourge of God

Attila the Hun: Scourge of God

One of the most powerful, and feared, leaders of history - Attila the Hun's legacy has persevered over centuries. His consolidation of the Hunnic tribes helped play a significant role in shaping the a...

10 Aug 202344min

Pompeii: Life Before the Eruption

Pompeii: Life Before the Eruption

The ancient city of Pompeii is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries on earth. Frozen in time since 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius erupted, its story is one that continues today.In episode one of ...

6 Aug 202335min

Cyrus the Great

Cyrus the Great

The ancient Persian ruler who founded the Achaemenid Empire, known for his benevolent governance and conquests - Cyrus the Great was a giant of history. History remembers him as someone who conquered ...

3 Aug 202338min

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is home to monumental pyramids, temples, and is a treasure trove of archaeological findings. Built in the early 5th century by the Maya, it has ...

30 Juli 202350min

Poseidon: God of the Sea

Poseidon: God of the Sea

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, Poseidon is one of the most iconic Olympians.In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Seth Pevnick, Curator of Greek and Roman art. Together, they unt...

27 Juli 202350min

Stonehenge

Stonehenge

Stonehenge. The most iconic prehistoric monument in the world. And yet its story is still so enigmatic.In this episode, host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Sue Greaney to shine a light on Stonehenge’s...

23 Juli 202347min

Populärt inom Historia

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