[976]. Witness the reduction of Mitra, who plays such an important part in the religion of the Vedas, to the far lower position of chief of the Izeds or Yazatas in the Sassanian reform.
[977]. Cumont, T. et M. I. p. 250, for authorities.
[978]. Gibbon, Decline and Fall (Bury’s ed.), I. p. 260 n. 106.
[979]. Reville, Religion sous les Sevères, p. 102.
[980]. Cumont, T. et M. I. p. 347.
[981]. Dill, Last Century, etc. p. 29, n. 2.
[982]. Cumont, T. et M. I. p. 347.
[983]. Op. cit. I. pp. 329, 330; Dill, Nero to Marcus Aurelius, p. 624.
[984]. Cumont, “L’aigle funéraire des Syriens et l’apothéose des empereurs.” R.H.R., 1910, pt ii. pp. 159 sqq.
[985]. Cf. the “solitary eagle” of the Magic Papyrus quoted on p. [265] supra.