mithraism
/ˈmɪθreɪˌɪzəm/
noun
- An ancient religion centered on the god Mithras, popular among Roman soldiers, involving secret rituals and the worship of the sun.
- Scholars study the underground temples of Mithraism to understand its rituals.
- Unlike many other ancient religions, Mithraism required initiation into secret levels.
- Mithraism was especially popular among Roman legionaries stationed far from home.