The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus was the most important temple of ancient Rome, standing on the Capitoline Hill above the Forum. According to Roman tradition, it was begun by the Tarquin kings and dedicated in the first year of the Republic, after the expulsion of the last king. It was a large Etruscan-style building with three chambers, honouring Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Triumphal processions of victorious generals ended at its steps, and the Senate often met there. The temple burned down several times, in 83 BCE, in 69 CE and again in 80 CE, and was rebuilt each time, most grandly by the emperor Domitian. Only parts of its foundations survive today beneath the Capitoline Museums.
Before and after
- c. 520 BCECarving of the Behistun inscription
- from c. 510 BCE to 323 BCEClassical Greece
- c. 510 BCEThe Roman Republic is founded
- from 509 BCE to 27 BCERoman Republic
- 509 BCEOrigins of Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus
- c. 509 BCECleisthenes lays the foundations of Athenian democracy
- 6th century BCEConstruction of Parthenon
- c. 500s BCEOrigins of Delhi
- 6th century BCEConstruction of Royal Road
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The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 6th century BCE.