Definition:
Mithra is the Persian god of light and wisdom. He was also worshiped in Rome by soldiers. The connection between the Roman and Persian Mit(h)ra(s) is debated. It has been suggested that Mithra later became a solar deity. [See: "Mit(h)ra(s) and the Myths of the Sun," by David H. Sick, in Numen (2004), for details.]
Mithraism may have been a Persian monotheistic religion when Zoroaster, founder of Zoroastrianism, lived. [See: "Approaches to Zoroaster's Gathas," by Ilya Gershevitch in "Iran" Vol. 33 (1995).]Alternate Spellings: Mithra, Mitra, Mithras, Mihr
