In Roman Mythology, Jupiter / Iuppiter / Jove is considered the highest and mightiest of the Roman Gods. God Jupiter was called the Roman King of all gods and the protector of Rome.

The first inhabitants of the region that would later be known as Rome believed that they were protected by the spirits of their ancestors. Over time, as the land expanded and times changed, they added three gods to these spirits; Mars, Romulus and Jupiter.  Again, over time, Mars and Romulus were replaced by Juno and Minerva  and Jupiter, Juno and Minerva became the triple gods of Rome.

God Jupiter is the ruler of the sky and sky-related events. Lightning, rain, thunder… He is also in charge of weather changes. He uses the power of lightning and thunder to send orders and punishment to the earth.  His full name is Jupiter Optimus Maximus. God Jupiter is also concerned with oaths and agreements and is the protector of the Romans. God Jupiter has all power over life and death.

His equivalent in Greek Mythology is Zeus, but God Jupiter in Roman Mythology has two fundamental differences from Zeus.

The first of these is that, unlike Zeus in Greek Mythology, Jupiter does not have direct relations with humans and does not descend to the earth. In Roman mythology, Jupiter is depicted as a supreme god of heaven.

Another difference is that in Roman mythology, Jupiter has absolute power over life and death. In Greek Mythology Zeus also has power over life and death, but apparently Zeus does not have absolute power. Zeus does not have complete authority and influence over the Moira and fate. Jupiter is above all powers.

Who is Jupiter?

In Roman Mythology, God Jupiter is one of the children of Saturn and Ops. The youngest child of Saturn and Ops, he is the brother of Neptune, Pluto, Vesta, Juno and Ceres.

Not wanting to lose his ruling power and not wanting to be dethroned by his children, Saturn swallowed all his children when they were born. Ops manages to save his last child Jupiter. While hiding his son, he gives Saturn a cloth wrapped in a stone and Saturn swallows the stone wrapped in this cloth thinking it is his son. When Jupiter grows up, he comes out of hiding, makes his father vomit and saves his brothers. He then fights against his father with his brothers and ends Saturn’s time.

After Jupiter succeeded his father Saturn, he married his sister Juno.

Symbols of the Roman God Jupiter: Lightning, eagle, oak  tree

Some of the Temples Built for God Jupiter;

Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Templum Iovis Optimus Maximus):

This temple, which means “The Best and Greatest of the Gods”, was the supreme temple of God Jupiter. It has existed since the early periods of Rome. The temple was built by Tarquinus Superbus in the 6th century BC.

Temple of Jupiter Stator (Templum Iovis Statoris ):

The temple of Jupiter Stator is located in the Palatine Hill area of Rome. The temple was built in the 4th century BC and symbolizes Rome’s call to resist enemies.

Temple of Jupiter Feretrius (Templum Iovis Feretri):

The temple of Jupiter Feretrius was the place where Roman generals dedicated the enemy’s weapons to God during victorious battles. The temple was built in the 5th century BC.

Temple of Jupiter Tonans (Templum Iovis Tonans):

The Tonans temple in the Capitolium district of Rome. It was built in the 1st century AD. This temple was dedicated to Jupiter as the god of lightning and storms.

Temple of Jupiter Custos (Templum Iovis Custodis):

The temple of Jupiter Custos was located in the Capitolium and was dedicated to Jupiter as the god who guarded the ancient walls of Rome. The temple was built in the 3rd century AD.

Temple of Jupiter (Dougga) – Tunisia:

Located in the ancient city of Dougga in Tunisia, this temple was built for Jupiter during the Roman Empire and is one of the best preserved Roman temples in Africa.

Temple of Jupiter (Nijmegen) – Netherlands:

Located in the city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands, on the borders of the Roman Empire, this temple was built for Jupiter in Roman times and is today preserved as an archaeological site.

Temple of Jupiter (Mersin/Silifke) – Turkey:

Located in the center of Silifke, the column bases of the temple are preserved. Only one of the columns has survived to the present day. The excavation here started in 1980 and continues. The temple was built in the 2nd century AD.

  • Sources;
  • A Handbook of Mythology The Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome / E.M Berens
  • The Concise Dictionary of Greek and Roman Mythology / Michael Stapleton
  • Ancient Roman Mythology / Peter Komara