Panorámica historiográfica de los estudios sobre el Mitra védico, avéstico y romano

Abstract

One mark of the interest attached to the god Mithra is the line of studies dating back to the Ro­man period. It was, however, during the Renais­sance that the accidental discovery of sculptural pieces of a Mithraic subject attracted the interest of researchers, who sought to identify the bull-ki­lling divinity. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, this field of research re-oriented itself to the solar theme and the identification of Mithraism. In the 19th century, it took on a scientific nature, and the landmark the studies of F. Cumont saw the light of day in early 20th century. As the century progres­sed ambitious in-depth studies flourished, unra­velling the mysteries linked to the cult of the god Mithra, both in terms of the divinity of the Vedic and Avestan pantheons and of the sphere of the mystery cult established in the context of the Ro­man Empire. At the beginning of the 21st century, some initial hypotheses remain open, but the vi­tality of studies pursuing a global understanding of Mithraism remains unchallenged.