An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course is an introduction to the essential belief structures, iconography, and mythology of three widespread ancient religions of the Roman world: Isis, a popular Egyptian deity, attracted many, especially women, for she seemed to release adherents from the crushing demands of societies dominated by both autocrats and fate; the mystery cult devoted to Mithras, an ancient Iranian sun god and bull-slayer, was well-known in the Roman world, especially Rome and Ostia, although exclusively for men; Christ, identified by believers with the deity of the Jewish scriptures, was increasingly significant in the Roman world from the mid-2nd century as Christian communities grew through families and friendship.
What will we cover?
The essential stories and/or mythologies of the deities and manner in which these are communicated through art (e.g. the Santa Prisca Mithraic frescoes), buildings (e.g. the Isis temple in Pompeii), and ritual (e.g. the Christian breaking of bread in the Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome) Whilst texts supply narrative details in the case of Isis and Christ, Mithras is not represented in this way, although there is an abundance of figural representation. Mithraic communities, however, did leave inscriptions which reveal much about their social status and modes of organisation.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Compare and contrast the three faiths, their respective deities and narratives, in terms of their pictorial and textual representation over time.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No previous knowledge is required, although there will be recommended reading for each session. Books should be available from a library, although you might wish to buy particular texts if you wish to explore a topic further.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Most sessions involve the tutor presenting prepared talk or lecture, illustrated with slides. There are opportunities throughout for questions and discussion. These are illustrated with slides. As the course progresses you may wish to review an aspect of our course to the group, but this is not a requirement. Detailed notes and bibliographies, with suggested topics for further enquiry, are provided for each session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may well wish to buy some books to further your study. Although visits may be recommended, involving travel and entrance fees, these are not part of the course itself.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any other Ancient Civilisations class. See website for details.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/isis-mithras-and-christ-iconography-and-mythology221903Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythologyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpg219219GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations/Courses/vm/Middle East & Africa Season22851177119111921369612285117711911653<p>An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.</p>152991449Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythology219219https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-05-06T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC221219219Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythology219142219Michael Bloomfieldisis-mithras-and-christ-iconography-and-mythology/rc221-2526<p>An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-06 00:00:00This course is an introduction to the essential belief structures, iconography, and mythology of three widespread ancient religions of the Roman world: Isis, a popular Egyptian deity, attracted many, especially women, for she seemed to release adherents from the crushing demands of societies dominated by both autocrats and fate; the mystery cult devoted to Mithras, an ancient Iranian sun god and bull-slayer, was well-known in the Roman world, especially Rome and Ostia, although exclusively for men; Christ, identified by believers with the deity of the Jewish scriptures, was increasingly significant in the Roman world from the mid-2nd century as Christian communities grew through families and friendship.<p>An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.</p>The essential stories and/or mythologies of the deities and manner in which these are communicated through art (e.g. the Santa Prisca Mithraic frescoes), buildings (e.g. the Isis temple in Pompeii), and ritual (e.g. the Christian breaking of bread in the Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome) Whilst texts supply narrative details in the case of Isis and Christ, Mithras is not represented in this way, although there is an abundance of figural representation. Mithraic communities, however, did leave inscriptions which reveal much about their social status and modes of organisation.Compare and contrast the three faiths, their respective deities and narratives, in terms of their pictorial and textual representation over time.No previous knowledge is required, although there will be recommended reading for each session. Books should be available from a library, although you might wish to buy particular texts if you wish to explore a topic further.Most sessions involve the tutor presenting prepared talk or lecture, illustrated with slides. There are opportunities throughout for questions and discussion. These are illustrated with slides. As the course progresses you may wish to review an aspect of our course to the group, but this is not a requirement. Detailed notes and bibliographies, with suggested topics for further enquiry, are provided for each session.You may well wish to buy some books to further your study. Although visits may be recommended, involving travel and entrance fees, these are not part of the course itself.Any other Ancient Civilisations class. See website for details.Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual219219142RC221NONEWed06/05/26 - 08/07/2618:00 - 19:3018:0019:3010 sessions (over 10 weeks)105-10 weeksEveningWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMichael BloomfieldBeginnersAvailable courses2026-05-06T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities219219Isis, Mithras and Christ: iconography and mythologyisis-mithras-and-christ-iconography-and-mythology/rc221-2526<p>An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.</p>0000-Available|2026-05-06 00:00:00This course is an introduction to the essential belief structures, iconography, and mythology of three widespread ancient religions of the Roman world: Isis, a popular Egyptian deity, attracted many, especially women, for she seemed to release adherents from the crushing demands of societies dominated by both autocrats and fate; the mystery cult devoted to Mithras, an ancient Iranian sun god and bull-slayer, was well-known in the Roman world, especially Rome and Ostia, although exclusively for men; Christ, identified by believers with the deity of the Jewish scriptures, was increasingly significant in the Roman world from the mid-2nd century as Christian communities grew through families and friendship.<p>An introduction to the history, essential beliefs, mythology, and iconography, of three influential religions of the Graeco-Roman world: Isis, the mystery cult devoted to Mithras and Christ.</p>The essential stories and/or mythologies of the deities and manner in which these are communicated through art (e.g. the Santa Prisca Mithraic frescoes), buildings (e.g. the Isis temple in Pompeii), and ritual (e.g. the Christian breaking of bread in the Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome) Whilst texts supply narrative details in the case of Isis and Christ, Mithras is not represented in this way, although there is an abundance of figural representation. Mithraic communities, however, did leave inscriptions which reveal much about their social status and modes of organisation.Compare and contrast the three faiths, their respective deities and narratives, in terms of their pictorial and textual representation over time.No previous knowledge is required, although there will be recommended reading for each session. Books should be available from a library, although you might wish to buy particular texts if you wish to explore a topic further.Most sessions involve the tutor presenting prepared talk or lecture, illustrated with slides. There are opportunities throughout for questions and discussion. These are illustrated with slides. As the course progresses you may wish to review an aspect of our course to the group, but this is not a requirement. Detailed notes and bibliographies, with suggested topics for further enquiry, are provided for each session.You may well wish to buy some books to further your study. Although visits may be recommended, involving travel and entrance fees, these are not part of the course itself.Any other Ancient Civilisations class. See website for details.Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations
