Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

Today I visited the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, dedicated to Jupiter Optimus Maximus by Marcus Horatius Pulvillus. According to Livy the Roman historian, the Etruscan king of Rome, Tarquinius Priscus, first began construction of the temple in the early 6th century before Tarquinius Superbus completed it in 509 B.C.E.

Located in heart of Rome, the temple sits atop of the Capitoline Hill. The beautiful temple is constructed from mud brick with cappellaccio tuff and stucco facing. It has a high platform podium with a large staircase that leads to widely spaced columns that are arranged in hexastyle fashion. The temple consists of three chambers: one for the goddess Minerva (Jupiter’s daughter) on the right, one for the goddess Juno Regina (Jupiter’s wife) on the left, and in the middle

the one for the great Jupiter Optimus.

Fastened on the temple’s right side in archaic letters, is ancient instruction that reads “Let him who is the Praetor that Maximus fasten a nail on the Ides of September.” This nail symbolizes the number of the year- a custom that was used on other temples such as the Temple of Nortia.

While at the temple, I was able to read from the Sibylline Oracles (books about the Sibyls’ prophecy) and see the shield of the Carthaginian general, Hasdrubal. One of the locals told me that the temple often served as a place for the senate to meet, different religious pageantry and celebrations of triumphs.

Overall this temple stands as one of the most important temples in ancient Rome and is significant in many ways. Apart from honoring the deity Jupiter and its prominent geographical location, the temple signifies Rome’s independence. The year it was built was the same year that the monarchy was overthrown by the Romans (Roman Republic) and thus the temple stands as a symbol of newfound independence.

Image 7: Front view of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus
http://gjclarthistory.blogspot.com/2012/10/since-this-is-our-first-informational.html

* Sources:
https://www.livius.org/sources/content/augustus-res-gestae/.
https://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/ancient/romrelig3.asp