Jupiter

King of the Roman Gods

Jupiter was the chief god of ancient Rome. He controlled the sky, thunder and lightning and was believed to protect laws, promises and the Roman state. His most famous symbols were the thunderbolt and eagle. Roman mythology identified him closely with the Greek Zeus, so stories about Zeus were often retold using Jupiter’s name. In the familiar family story, Jupiter was the youngest son of Saturn and Ops. Saturn swallowed his children because he feared being overthrown, but Ops hid Jupiter. When he grew up, Jupiter rescued his siblings and defeated the older generation.

Jupiter’s greatest temple stood on the Capitoline Hill, where he was worshipped as Jupiter Optimus Maximus, meaning ‘Best and Greatest’. He shared the temple with Juno and Minerva, forming the Capitoline Triad. Victorious generals ended triumphal processions there, while officials made vows to Jupiter when beginning important duties. He had many titles describing different responsibilities. Jupiter Tonans was ‘the Thunderer’, Jupiter Pluvius brought rain and Jupiter Stator helped soldiers stand firm in battle.

Roman poets also told the complicated family and love stories inherited from Zeus. Jupiter was married to Juno but had many other partners and children, causing endless arguments and adventures. These myths can make him seem very different from the serious protector worshipped by the Roman state. Both sides belonged to Roman culture. People could enjoy dramatic stories while also treating Jupiter as a powerful guardian of oaths, government and military success. Lightning strikes were sometimes interpreted as messages requiring religious attention. The largest planet in our Solar System was later named after him, which seems suitable for the king of the gods. I would remember Jupiter as more than Roman Zeus. Greek stories supplied many of his adventures, but in Rome he stood above laws, armies and public ceremonies as the divine protector of the whole state.

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