The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire · Character
Capitoline Jupiter
Also known as Jupiter Optimus Maximus
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 14
There's something both magnificent and distant about this Capitoline form of Jupiter, whose altars commanded both the reverence of tradition and the private skepticism of an age grown sophisticated. His presence embodies the paradox of gods both worshipped and doubted.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 14
- Books
- 1
Capitoline Jupiter, known as Jupiter Optimus Maximus, represented the supreme deity of the Roman state whose temple on the Capitoline Hill was the center of official Roman religion. His altars were approached with the peculiar Roman combination of inward contempt among the educated classes and external reverence demanded by tradition and civic duty.
Description
A majestic bearded deity of powerful build, with long flowing white hair and beard that speak to ancient authority, enthroned in classical Roman splendor. He wears elaborate ceremonial robes and holds the traditional symbols of divine power—a scepter and thunderbolt—while his stern, imperial features convey the unshakeable dignity of Rome's chief god. His presence radiates the grandeur of state religion.
Story so far
BOOK 1The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire / Table of Contents with links in the HTML file to the two Project Gutenberg editions (12 volumes)
Appearances
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