Where Was The Temple Of Jupiter Optimus Maximus In Rome? [3 REPLIES FOUND]

Like the Etruscans and Greeks before them, the Romans are known for having constructed monumental temples in highly visible locations. Situated atop the Capitoline Hill in the heart of the ancient city of Rome, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus represented this tradition well (today the site is occupied by a piazza designed by the Renaissance artist Michelangelo, see photo below). Unfortunately, neglect, spoliation, and eventual site adaptation means that very little of the Temple of Jupiter remains for us to study. Despite its absence, however, the lasting impact of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus can be observed in the many Roman temples that emulated it, making it perhaps the most important of all Roman temples in terms of its cultural influence and design. (Watch this video to see where the's having Temple stood in the ancient city.) The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Jupiter Best and Greatest) honoured the Capitoline Triad of Roman deities: Jupiter, Juno Regina (Juno the Queen), and Minerva.1 Its alternate title, the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus (Capitoline Jupiter) references its significant location on the Capitoline Hill of Rome.2 According to the Roman historian Livy, Tarquinius Priscus, an Etruscan king of Rome in the pre-Republican period, decided to build the Temple.3 Tarquinius Superbus, his son or grandson, completed the project.4 The consul Horatius Pulvillus dedicated the Temple in 509 BCE, the traditional date for the first year of the Roman Republic.5 A colossal structure that towered over the city, its importance as a cultural, religious and civic center of Rome cannot be overstated.6 The Temple of Jupiter symbolized the "sovereignty and immortality" of Roman civilization, in an effort to distinguish itself from neighbouring peoples when establishing the new Roman Republic.7 The Temple remained a iconic power symbol throughout the Roman Republic and early Empire.8 The fourth-century emperor Constantius II articulates its grandeur well: “beside everything else is like earth compared to heaven.”9 (last modified 2 days ago by Nadim Mead from Nanded Waghala, India) The Temple of Jupiter was built on the southern peak of the Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the Seven Hills of Rome.1 Facing southeast across the Tiber Valley, it was a visible landmark for travellers approaching Rome, and could be seen from the Roman Forum, Tiber River, and Campus Martius.2 Historically speaking, the Capitoline Hill was a sacred site for other divinities even before the Temple of Jupiter.3 From a very early period, the Capitoline Hill was a site of important historical events critical to the founding of Rome and a centre for Roman religious activity.4 The Capitoline Hill is the legendary location of the Hut of Romulus, and Romulus’ asylum for foreign refugees. The visibility, centrality, and resonance of its location helped make the Temple of Jupiter a cultural icon of Rome for centuries to come. (emended by Kathleen Myers from Sydney, Australia on November 21, 2021) The first building was the oldest large temple in Rome, and, like many temples in central Italy, shared features with Etruscan architecture. It was traditionally dedicated in 509 BCE but in 83 BCE was destroyed by fire. A replacement in Greek style was completed in 69 BCE (there were to be two more fires and new buildings). For the first temple sources report Etruscan specialists being brought in for various aspects of the building, including making and painting the extensive terracotta elements of the Temple of Zeus or upper parts, such as antefixes. But for the second building they were summoned from Greece, and the building was presumably essentially Greek in style, though like other Roman temples it retained many elements of Etruscan form. The two further buildings were evidently of contemporary Roman style, although of exceptional size. The third temple only lasted five years, to 80 CE, but the fourth survived until the fall of the empire. Remains of the last temple survived to be pillaged for spolia in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, but now only elements of the foundations and podium or base survive. (we really appreciate Shantia Hand for their revisions). According to Fausto Swartz at archive1.village.virginia.edu, “Tribunes of the plebs and fellow citizens of Rome,” Scipio said , “today is the anniversary of the day on which I had foughtd fought a pitched battle in Africa against Hannibal and the Carthaginians at Zama , emerging victorious. This is no time to engage in trials and legal wrangling. And so without delay I'm will leaving the Rostra and climb the Capitolium to pay my respects to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno, Minerva, and all the other gods who watch over the Capitolium and the Citadel, and I'm will giving them thanks that on this date and on many others the gods have granted me the will and ability to carry out our nation's business with distinction.” (cheers to Quenna McGowan for their insight). Article References https://smarthistory.org/jupiter-optimus/ http://omeka.wellesley.edu/piranesi-rome/exhibits/show/temple-to-jupiter-optimus-maxi/origins-of-the-temple http://omeka.wellesley.edu/piranesi-rome/exhibits/show/temple-to-jupiter-optimus-maxi/location https://ancientimes.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-temple-of-jupiter-optimus-maximus.html http://archive1.village.virginia.edu/spw4s/RomanForum/GoogleEarth/AK_GE/AK_HTML/TS-037.html

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