Aiones leontocefali da vigna Muti (veri e immaginari)

Abstract

Three Mithraic sculptures of Mithraic Aiones have been reportedly discovered in the estates of Orazio Muti in Rome, specifically CIMRM 382, 383,
and 551. The first one disappeared shortly after its initial discovery, while the other two are still extant. The distinctive characteristics of the first Aion
were based on the attributes of the other two monuments and on a description of a Mithraic statue found in the Mithraeum of the Capitol.
The circumstances of the discovery strongly suggest that the finding was fabricated. Therefore, CIMRM 382 should be regarded as inauthentic and
should be excluded from the corpus of Mithraic artifacts.
Additionally, the Aion mentioned in CIMRM 611 is also examined. Its depiction is available in a drawing from Fulvio Orsini’s collection, which also
included a drawing of the same Aion carved on a gemstone. This pair of Aiones demonstrates that this particular deity captured the interest of scholars
and enthusiasts, prompting the creation of new images inspired by ancient monuments.