A review of the experience at the London Mithraeum. The past is brought to life at this gem in the heart of London.  

From the outside the London Mithraeum is unassuming and easy to miss, in fact we walked straight past it. As A level classical civilisation students looking to broaden our horizons outside the classroom the Mithraeum seemed like the perfect place to visit, not only was it free to book but it was in a very well connected area of London near Bank, Mansion House and Monument tube stations.

When you enter the Mithraeum you’ll be met with an art installation on the inside walls ( known as the Bloomberg Space) , we were informed that this changes regularly,  at the moment the artist Claudia Wiesler is presenting a piece named ‘Shift’.

A short walk leads you to a cabinet filled top to toe of Roman artefacts. What’s exciting about this cabinet is that there is research behind every single artefact that you can read on tablets provided. It’s especially nice because it allows you to examine each and every artefact at your own pace.

Moving downstairs, there’s an exhibit full of information about the god Mithras and the religious cult surrounding him and the site. This was incredibly informative and it was well worth reading every single piece of information we encountered.

The tour de force of the London Mithraeum however is the experience on the very bottom floor. It’s a faithful restoration of the original ruins. When you step in the site looks unassuming, beautifully preserved ruins but no more. Then the lights turn off. Suddenly you’re transported to London AD 240. Stunning audiovisual effects go a long way into making you feel like you’re actually there in this ancient Roman cult.

I would recommend this site for anyone with a passing interest in the ancient world who has a free couple of hours on their hands.