Temple of Jupiter (Pompeii) facts for kids
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The Temple of Jupiter was a very important building in ancient Pompeii, a Roman city. It was also called the Capitolium or the Temple of the Capitoline Triad. This temple stood at the north end of Pompeii's main public square, known as the Forum.
It was first built around the mid-2nd century BC. At first, it was only for Jupiter, who was the king of the Roman gods. As Rome's power grew in Pompeii, Jupiter became the city's most important god, taking the place of the Greek god Apollo. Jupiter was seen as the protector of Rome and was central to Roman religion.
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How Rome Changed Pompeii's Temples
Jupiter was the most important god in Ancient Rome. Because of this, Romans often built temples for him or for the entire Capitoline Triad in new towns they took over. The Capitoline Triad included Jupiter, his wife Juno, and his daughter Minerva. This is what happened in Pompeii. The old Temple of Jupiter was made bigger and changed after the Romans conquered the city.
Rome began to control Pompeii in 310 BC. However, Pompeii kept much of its freedom until the Social War in the early 1st century BC. In 89 BC, the Roman general Sulla attacked Pompeii. After this, Roman language, culture, and laws became very important in the city.
The buildings in Pompeii had been greatly influenced by the Greeks. But Roman rule soon brought new changes to the city's style. Unlike the earlier Samnite people who lived there, the Romans believed that buildings were very important for religious and public life. Pompeii changed into a more open city with many public buildings and spaces.
What the Temple Looked Like
The Temple of Jupiter was built around 150 BC. It was designed to stand out in the Forum and became Pompeii's main temple after the Romans took over. It was built in a pure Italic style, which was a Roman way of building. The temple sat on a large base that was about 121 feet long, 56 feet wide, and 10 feet high.
Inside the temple was a special room called the cella. This room held the statues of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Only priests were allowed to enter the cella. Below the main hall, there was another room. This room was used to store things offered to the gods and also held the city's money.
Destruction and Loss of Importance
In 62 AD, a big earthquake hit the city of Pompeii. This earthquake badly damaged much of the Temple of Jupiter. After this, a much smaller temple, the Temple of Jupiter Meilichios, became the main place for people to worship Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad.
The original Temple of Jupiter was still being repaired when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The eruption buried the entire city, including the damaged temple.
See also
In Spanish: Templo de Júpiter (Pompeya) para niños
