Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

Located on Capitoline Hill, the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus is a rather fragmented piece of Roman architectural history, as only scarce portions of the temple were able to be preserved—the tuff foundation and podium, as well as the marble and terracotta architectural elements. Regardless, the architectural plan that was originally there mimicked those of late-Archaic Etruscan temples, with a high podium, a single frontal staircase, a three column deep pronaos, and hexastyle columns. As well, a tripartite interior—a three part interior—with three adjacent cellae were present, each cella dedicated to the ‘Capitoline Triad’ that was Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The notable terracotta elements present included an acroteria, and a large statue of Jupiter driving a quadriga. Though, later reconstructions of this temple during the Roman Empire incorporated more extravagant external material builds, like a superstructure of Pentelic marble, gilded roof tiles, gold-plated doors, and a pedimental relief sculpture. 

In terms of its history, it was dedicated in 509 BCE, and this was the monumental year when the Romans overthrew the Etruscan monarchy and subsequently established its republican system of government; thus, this temple was used to assert Roman independence from the Etruscan. However, ever since its conception, it has been notoriously destroyed, rebuilt, and rededicated multiple times due to a slew of fires—never having a true moment of rest. Starting in 83 BCE, this temple was destroyed in the fire of the 6th of July but was later rebuilt and rededicated some time around the 60s BCE. Unfortunately, on December 19th 69 CE, it was destroyed in another fire that may have been caused by the temple’s wooden entablature, pediments, and roof, with Emperor Vespasian taking charge of the rebuilding process. Then, in 80 CE, another fire struck the temple and was later restored during the reign of Emperor Domitian, as evident by his inscribed name on the temple. 

Functionally, it was both used as a religious space, as well as a repository for ritual, cultural, and political objects—like spoils of war and the Sibylline Oracles—an endpoint for triumphs, a meeting place for the Senate, an archive for public records, and an all-encompassing symbol of Rome’s supremacy and divine agency. 

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Sources:

  1. Kaderka -Pier, Karolina, and Luigi Tucci. ELEKTRONISCHE PUBLIKATIONEN DES DEUTSCHEN ARCHÄOLOGISCHEN INSTITUTS Mitteilungen Des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts, Römische Abteilung (RM) Bullettino Dell’Istituto Archeologico Germanico, Sezione Romana (RM). 2021, d-nb.info/1253556083/34, https://doi.org/10.34780/a20j-2hj9. Accessed 7 Oct. 2023. 
  2. Findley, Andrew. “Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Rome.” Khan Academy, 2016, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman/roman-republic/a/jupiter-optimus-maximus. 
Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus