The Elephant Tomb

Within the town of Seville, Spain, lies a Roman Acropolis. Within the acropolis is a room with a single window, positioned such that upon the ascension of the Spring and Autumn equinox the light of the sun strikes the center of the room. For this and various other reasons archeologists have determined that this chamber, known to have been used as a burial chamber in later years, was probably a temple room devoted to the god Mithras. Generally his temples were underground affairs.

The Elephant Room news.

Mithras is a bit of a mystery to us as the religion itself was secret, even baffling contemporary Romans. It is assumed to have been widespread and is known to have been popular in the Roman Army. The god's most famous depiction is slaying the sacred bull. Probably a god of war and with that its relation to cattle and contracts makes it one of order. Joining the ranks of the Mithriats was difficult and required undergoing seven rituals of initiation.

Probably a source for Robert E. Howards Mitra.