ABSTRACT
Mithraism seems to be an especially attractive target of various theories inspired by Cognitive Sciences. This chapter explores the possible contribution of these theories originating in the field of Cognitive Science of Religion to the elucidation of the vexed problem of historical origin of the Mysteries of Mithras. Franz Cumont, the distinguished scholar of Hellenistic religions, scientifically grounded the unanimous opinion of the ancient world in his famous monograph completely devoted to the study of Mithraism, published at the very end the nineteenth century. Mithraism thus differs from other Graeco-Roman cults of Oriental deities by its consistently initiatory character. Roger Beck's scenario seems to include every necessary condition for being a successful and viable theory of Mithraic origins well grounded in our available historical data. Cognitive science, thus, will not replace traditional historical methods, but it can, at least occasionally, supplement them and provide us with a very precious corrective device.
