Together with the Zoroastrian divinity Mithra (Miθra), Mitra descends from a Proto-Indo-Iranian *mitra, "contract". While Mitra and Mithra share many characteristics, they developed independently following the prehistorical split of the Indo-Iranians, and should not be equated with one another. Mitra and Mithra should also not be confused with Roman Mithras, who – although nominally inheriting his name from Iranian Mithra – is a product of Roman thought.