The Asiatic conquests of Alexander, followed in later
centuries by the extension of Roman rule over the eastern coasts of the
Mediterranean, brought the classical peoples into contact with new religions
which had arisen in the Orient. Slaves, soldiers, traders, and travelers
carried the eastern faiths to the West, where they speedily won many followers.
Even before the downfall of the republic the deities of Asia Minor, Egypt, and
Persia had found a home at Rome. Under the empire many men and women were
attracted to their worship.
MITHRA
Perhaps the most remarkable of the Asiatic religions was
Mithraism. Mithra first appears as a Persian sun god, the leader of
Ahuramazda's hosts in the ceaseless struggle against the forces of darkness and
evil. As a god of light Mithra was also a god of truth and purity. His
worship, spreading over the length and breadth of the Roman Empire, became the
noblest of all pagan faiths. Men saw in Mithra a Lord and Giver of Life, who
protected the weak and miserable, cleansed the sinner, conquered death, and
procured for his faithful followers the crown of immortality.
