Mithraism

[ mith-ruh-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. an ancient Persian religion in which Mithras was worshiped, involving secret rituals to which only men were admitted: a major competitor of Christianity in the Roman empire during the 2nd and 3rd centuries a.d.

Mithraism

/ ˈmɪθreɪˌɪzəm; mɪθˈreɪɪk; mɪθˈreɪɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. the ancient Persian religion of Mithras. It spread to the Roman Empire during the first three centuries ad

Derived Forms

• Mithraic, adjective
• ˈMithraist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• Mith·ra·ic [mith-, rey, -ik], Mithra·istic adjective
• Mithra·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mithraism¹

Mithra(s) + -ism

Example Sentences

In the reign of Pompey, Mithraism, a cult borrowed from Persia, was spread throughout the empire.

From Project Gutenberg

It is highly probable that he had been influenced by Mithraism.

From Project Gutenberg

An interesting parallel to the spread of Christianity in the Roman empire is afforded by the contemporary Mithraism.

From Project Gutenberg

Mithraism is a variant religion, which at one time spread over the Roman Empire and came near outclassing Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg

The most curious instance of the essential identity of the nature deities of the West and East will be found in Mithraism.

From Project Gutenberg