Mithra is an ancient deity associated with the sun and light, primarily worshipped in the Zoroastrian tradition and later in the Mithraic Mysteries, a mystery religion practiced in the Roman Empire. He is often depicted as a young man slaying a bull, a symbol of fertility and life, which is central to his mythology. Mithra's worship spread from Persia to Rome, where he became popular among soldiers and merchants. His festivals, such as the celebration of the winter solstice, were marked by rituals and communal meals, emphasizing themes of rebirth and renewal.