Mithraic medallion depicting Mithras and the primal bull

The upper portion of this medallion depicts the Mithraic myth in which the god Mithras slays the primal bull, releasing the life force present in its blood unto the world. His followers would recreate this canonical image in their rituals. The lower portion of the medallion depicts other scenes from the life of this Eastern god. The cult of Mithras was one of the mystery cults that spread among Roman soldiers; such cults involved secret rituals and promised personal salvation.