CIMRM 219-220 - Marble altar. Casa di Diana Mithraeum, Ostia.

219. Marble altar (H. 0.78 Br. 0.35 D. 0.44), standing before the cult-niche. Calza, o.c., 331; Becatti in BCR LXVII, 1939, 38 n. 10; BCR LXX, 1942, 120f. with fig. The altar has a hole in the middle, which pierces the marble completely. At the front the opening is surrounded by a wreath of oak-leaves with flying ribbons. An inscription over it (No. 220). 220. CIL XIV 4310. M. Lollianus / Callinicus pater / aram deo / do(num) de(dit). Callinicus: compare Nos. 222; 223. The altar, as an inscription (CIL XIV 4280) proves, was originally dedicated to Hercules. From a thorough investigation by G. Becatti it has become clear, that the Mithraists after changing it into a Mithras-altar, have turned it upside down with the inscription of Hercules against the wall of the cult-niche. This they did because the upper part of the altar was broken off and had been lost. This is an established fact. as that part was found back in 1940. The wreath of oak-leaves already was on the altar. but Callinicus had the two ribbons added and at the same time the altar was pierced, which caused some damage to the Hercules-inscription.