Roman Temple of Jupiter, Damascus

Roman Temple of Jupiter, Damascus

The Temple of Jupiter in Damascus was built by the Romans, beginning during the rule of Augustus and completed during the rule of Constantius II. An ancient Aramaean temple to Hadad once stood on this site. The Romans associated Hadad with Jupiter, and rebuilt the temple in Jupiter's name. The temple drew large crowds to its festivals and Damascus became famous as the city of Jupiter. Theodosius I converted the temple to a church dedicated to John the Baptist. After the Muslims took over Damascus in 635 CE, the church was shared for seventy years, but Al-Walid I converted it to the Umayyad Mosque.

The inner court, or temenos is believed to have been completed soon after the end of Augustus' reign in 14CE. This was surrounded by an outer court, or peribolos which included a market, and was built in stages as funds permitted, and completed in the middle of the first century CE. At this time the eastern gateway or propylaeum was built. The end of the second, century during the reign of Septimius Severus, saw a major upgrading in a more flamboyant style.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Roman Temple of Jupiter on Map

Sight Name: Roman Temple of Jupiter
Sight Location: Damascus, Syria (See walking tours in Damascus)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Damascus, Syria

Create Your Own Walk in Damascus

Create Your Own Walk in Damascus

Creating your own self-guided walk in Damascus is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Damascus Introduction Walking Tour

Damascus Introduction Walking Tour

Damascus is the capital and currently the largest city of Syria, commonly referred to by the locals as “ash-Sham” and nicknamed “the City of Jasmine.” Today the city represents a blend of modern and ancient architecture, in which the latter is very carefully preserved and respected. Follow this orientation walk to explore some of the key historic sights of centuries-old Damascus.

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Old Damascus Landmarks Tour

Old Damascus Landmarks Tour

Old Damascus has many precious historic landmarks that are full of mystery. The following self-guided tour will lead you to Damascus’ most amazing landmarks.

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles