Temple of Jupiter, Pompei

Temple of Jupiter, Pompei

The Temple of Jupiter sits at the northern end of the Forum, a large open space once used as a market place. Also known as the Capitolium, it was a place of worship for Jupiter, the Roman ruler of the Gods and protector of Rome. Temples dedicated to Jupiter were considered the centres of Roman religion. This temple, built in the mid 2nd century BC, marked the passing of Pompei into the Roman Empire. Pompei was originally a Greek settlement, and was later ruled by the Samnites. Originally occupied by Romans in 310 BC, it maintained a degree of autonomy, with many Greek gods worshipped more fervently than those followed in Rome.

A failed revolt in 89 BC led to a more forceful implementation of Roman language, culture and law in Pompei. This saw Jupiter become the town’s highest God, and his temple the centre of Pompeian worship. It later also became a place of worship for Juno and Minerva, who together with Jupiter formed the Capitoline Triad of Gods. The temple dominates one side of the forum, and is built in traditional Italic style, with a cella at the centre housing statues of the Capitoline Triad. A bronze bust of Jupiter can be seen at the northern end of the temple. A chamber below the temple housed sacrificial offerings and the city’s treasury.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pompei. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Temple of Jupiter on Map

Sight Name: Temple of Jupiter
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Pompei, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Pompei

Create Your Own Walk in Pompei

Creating your own self-guided walk in Pompei 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.
Pompeii Introduction Walk II

Pompeii Introduction Walk II

Frozen at the moment it was buried under the thick blanket of ash and pumice, the city of Pompeii (now excavated) remains a unique window into the past, offering a snapshot of everyday life back in the 1st century AD Roman Empire. Aside from causing quick and unexpected death to the city, the huge eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD did have one positive outcome – it preserved everything (properties,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Pompeii Introduction Walk I

Pompeii Introduction Walk I

Modern-day Pompei is best known for its ancient predecessor, the Roman city of Pompeii, that fell victim to the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii, first uncovered in the late 18th century, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Presently, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing annually up to 2.5 million visitors.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles