Mithras was the ancient god worshipped by the ancestors of the Persians and Hindus. He was the god of light, protector of truth; he was said to have one hundred eyes and one hundred ears watching the world constantly and therefore could not be deceived—as such, he was often invoked in oaths, in the punishment of perjurers, and in pledging the fulfillment of contracts. He was also the war-ally of the faithful and the god who granted monarchs victory.
He was worshipped by the sacrifice of cattle and flying birds, libations of haoma (an intoxicating juice) and ritual prayers. His temples were most frequently built in caves.
Mithraism disseminated through the Roman Empire via armies—native recruits from Cappadocia and Commagene (modern-day Turkey) were frequently shipped elsewhere in the Empire, far away from their homes, taking their religion with them. As a god of warriors and victory, Mithras became a popular deity among the armies of the Roman Empire.
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