Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus

The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, also known as the Iuppiter Optimus Maximus Capitolinus (Lacus Curtius), was first dedicated in 509 B.C.E. (Tuck), burned down in 83 B.C.E, and rededicated in 69 B.C.E. The temple, like most temples, was used as a venue for worship of the gods. It was also used as the endpoint for the Triumphal Procession. It was also perhaps an inspiration for other religious buildings to be built in obvious positions. It was constructed mostly of timber (Tuck), and was very distinct in its size, with its floor area nearly equal to that of a football field. It also featured unusually wide column spacing, and took on a square shape as opposed to many rectangular ones(Tuck). The temple was also unique because of its tripartite interior (Khan Academy). The temple was positioned on the Capitoline Hill, and was first completed under the supervision of Tarquinius Superbus, and dedicated primarily to Jupiter, but also to Juno and Minerva (Tuck).

-Connor Ramsey