The cult of the Persian god Mithras was popular with which of the following groups in imperial Rome?

While some women participated in various religious cults in Rome, the cult of Mithras was predominantly male-oriented and primarily attracted men, particularly soldiers. Patrician women were more likely to engage in cults associated with domesticity and fertility rather than the military-focused rituals of Mithraism.

Although slaves could participate in various religious practices, the cult of Mithras was largely exclusive to free men, particularly soldiers. The social and cultural context of Mithraism did not appeal significantly to slaves, who often had limited opportunities for participation in such exclusive religious rites.

Orators were involved in public speaking and politics and tended to align with more traditional Roman religious practices. The cult of Mithras, with its military associations and secretive nature, was less appealing to orators, who sought public recognition and influence rather than the esoteric rituals of Mithraism.

While some emperors may have shown interest in various cults, including Mithraism, the religion was predominantly a grassroots movement among the military rather than a top-down initiative. Emperors did not significantly promote the cult, making them less representative of its primary followers.