Mithras Slaying the Bull – The Mystery of the Tauroctony
September 10th 2025
Mithras Slaying the Bull – Ancient Symbolism and Its Appeal to Collectors
A Roman Mystery Cult Depicted in Bronze and Stone
Mithras slaying the bull, known as the tauroctony, is one of the most recognisable images from the ancient Roman world. This dramatic scene formed the centrepiece of the Mithraic Mysteries, a mystery religion practiced throughout the Roman Empire between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. Though no written texts survive from the cult, hundreds of carvings, reliefs, and bronzes depicting Mithras with the bull have been discovered in mithraea, underground temples where followers gathered in secret.
Grand Tour Bronze of Mithras Slaying The Bull AVAILABLE in our bronze sculpture collection at jacksons antique
The Cult of Mithras
The cult of Mithras was especially popular among Roman soldiers and spread widely across Europe, from Rome itself to the frontiers of Britain, Germany, and Dacia. Initiates met in small groups, taking part in rituals of initiation, banquets, and shared meals. Unlike other public religions of Rome, Mithraism was exclusive and secretive, with seven grades of initiation and imagery rich in symbolism.
Mithraism was often seen as a rival to early Christianity, and by the late 4th century it had disappeared under Christian persecution. Yet its art and iconography remain some of the most compelling survivals of Roman religion.
The Image of Mithras and the Bull
At the heart of every mithraeum stood a depiction of Mithras slaying a bull. The scene is remarkably consistent: Mithras, wearing a Phrygian cap and cloak, pins the bull down while plunging a dagger into its neck or shoulder. Unusually, Mithras always turns his gaze away from the animal, often looking skyward towards Sol, the Sun god.
Surrounding the central figures are a range of smaller symbols, a dog and serpent reaching for the blood, a scorpion at the bull’s genitals, and often a raven perched nearby. The bull’s tail is sometimes carved as ears of wheat or grapes, symbolising fertility and renewal. Above, Sol and Luna (the Sun and Moon) look on, anchoring the scene in a cosmic, astrological framework.
Close up of the snake and dog from our Grand Tour Bronze of Mithras Slaying The Bull AVAILABLE in our bronze sculpture collection at jacksons antique
Symbolism and Meaning
Although the exact meaning of the tauroctony is lost to history, most scholars agree that the bull’s death was symbolic rather than literal. The imagery carries clear associations with sacrifice, renewal, and the cycles of nature. The links with constellations and planets suggest an astrological layer, tying Mithras and his cult to cosmic order.
The torchbearers Cautes and Cautopates often flank the scene, holding torches raised and lowered, representing light and darkness, sunrise and sunset, or the balance between life and death.
Legacy of Mithras
More than 700 examples of the tauroctony have been found across the Roman world, from carved stone altars to painted frescoes and finely cast bronzes. Each depiction reinforced the central role of Mithras as a divine hero whose sacrifice sustained the universe.
Even today, the mystery and power of the image captivates collectors and historians alike. Its survival offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual life of Roman soldiers and citizens who sought meaning in secret rites beneath the bustling empire above.
For collectors of classical art, the theme of Mithras and the bull has long been celebrated in art, particularly bronze sculpture. A fine example is our 19th century Grand Tour bronze of Mithras Slaying the Bull on a Siena marble base, a piece that reflects both the period and the fascination with ancient Roman mythology.
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am a specialist dealer in fine antiques, curating beautiful objects for the luxury market through my bespoke online shop, Jacksons Antique, with a strong focus on Japanese antiques and European works of art. As part of a new generation of online antique dealers, I bring over 10 years of experience in the industry, working exclusively online and at select exhibitions. Trust and transparency are at the heart of my business, ensuring clients can buy with complete confidence. I consider myself fortunate to handle some of the most exquisite objects ever created and to share them with a global audience while proudly helping to bring a younger perspective to the world of antiques.
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