Jupiter was the King of the Gods in the Roman pantheon, is one of the most significant deities in Roman mythology. As a god of sky, thunder, and sovereignty, he presided over the Roman state, law, and order, embodying authority and justice. The Romans saw Jupiter as the protector of their civilization, ensuring victory in war, prosperity in peace, and adherence to sacred oaths. His Greek equivalent is Zeus.
His name means 'sky father', and he also had many epithets by which he was known. These include Dieus-pater (sky father), Lucetius, Pluvius, Tempestas, Serenus (all associated with lightning), Opitulus, Almus, Ruminus, Depalis (all associated with agriculture), luppiter Feretrius, luppiter Victor, luppiter Invictus (all associated with warfare), Jupiter Optimus Maximus (the best and greatest), and Jupiter Stator (to stand fast). This is by no means a complete list, for as expected with such an important God with many different qualities, he was called upon by many names to reflect this.
Jupiter ruled with his twin sister and wife Juno by his side. He had several children with Juno, and through affairs with others, including Mars, Minerva, Vulcan, Bellona, Juventus, Lucina, Mercury, Venus, Prosperine, and Diana. Jupiters siblings were Juno, Ceres, Vesta, and Neptune and Pluto, whom he split the Kingdom with after they usurped their father Saturn in a similar vein as to how Zeus overcame Cronus in Greek mythology. Saturn had been given a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, and so he ate his children to prevent that from happening. However, Jupiter escaped, and freed his siblings before overthrowing Saturn, and took his place as the King of the Gods.
His name means 'sky father', and he also had many epithets by which he was known. These include Dieus-pater (sky father), Lucetius, Pluvius, Tempestas, Serenus (all associated with lightning), Opitulus, Almus, Ruminus, Depalis (all associated with agriculture), luppiter Feretrius, luppiter Victor, luppiter Invictus (all associated with warfare), Jupiter Optimus Maximus (the best and greatest), and Jupiter Stator (to stand fast). This is by no means a complete list, for as expected with such an important God with many different qualities, he was called upon by many names to reflect this.
Jupiter ruled with his twin sister and wife Juno by his side. He had several children with Juno, and through affairs with others, including Mars, Minerva, Vulcan, Bellona, Juventus, Lucina, Mercury, Venus, Prosperine, and Diana. Jupiters siblings were Juno, Ceres, Vesta, and Neptune and Pluto, whom he split the Kingdom with after they usurped their father Saturn in a similar vein as to how Zeus overcame Cronus in Greek mythology. Saturn had been given a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him, and so he ate his children to prevent that from happening. However, Jupiter escaped, and freed his siblings before overthrowing Saturn, and took his place as the King of the Gods.
As King of the Gods, it was believed by the Romans that worship of him gave them supremecy. His image became associated with Rome's ancient Kings, and then the magistrates, and consuls swore their oaths in his name. His High Priest was known as the Flamen Dialis. Other groups, such as the Augurs (who were in charge of inaugurations), and the Fetials (a group of 20 men who were devoted to the religious administration of international affairs of the state) were also seen to be under the guidance of Jupiter.
As well as the tale of his birth, there are other tales associated with Jupiter. King Tullus, who was scornful of religion and determined to wage war and conquer more territory, invaded a land which had ancestral ties to Jupiter. He failed to perform the necessary rites and a plague fell upon the people, and the King himself. In desperation, Tullus performed a secret rite to evoke Jupiter, hoping that he could remove the sickness. However, Tullus performed the ritual incorrectly, and Jupiter threw down a lightning bolt which burned down the King's house and killed him.
There were several temples dedicated to Jupiter, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, where he was worshipped individually, and as part of the Capitoline Triad along with Juno and Minerva. There were also several festivals and celebrations which were held in his honour, such as the Ides (the middle of the month with a full moon), Viniculture festivals (harvesting grapes to make wine), the Poplifugia (a day sacred to Jupiter), and two festivals called Epula Lovis, (feast of Jove).
Jupiter is associated with the thunderbolt, the eagle, and the oak tree, all symbols which are generally associated with masculinity, strength, and leadership. He is also associated with Thursday, and so is the ideal day of the week for any workings in honour of the King of the Gods.
As well as the tale of his birth, there are other tales associated with Jupiter. King Tullus, who was scornful of religion and determined to wage war and conquer more territory, invaded a land which had ancestral ties to Jupiter. He failed to perform the necessary rites and a plague fell upon the people, and the King himself. In desperation, Tullus performed a secret rite to evoke Jupiter, hoping that he could remove the sickness. However, Tullus performed the ritual incorrectly, and Jupiter threw down a lightning bolt which burned down the King's house and killed him.
There were several temples dedicated to Jupiter, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, where he was worshipped individually, and as part of the Capitoline Triad along with Juno and Minerva. There were also several festivals and celebrations which were held in his honour, such as the Ides (the middle of the month with a full moon), Viniculture festivals (harvesting grapes to make wine), the Poplifugia (a day sacred to Jupiter), and two festivals called Epula Lovis, (feast of Jove).
Jupiter is associated with the thunderbolt, the eagle, and the oak tree, all symbols which are generally associated with masculinity, strength, and leadership. He is also associated with Thursday, and so is the ideal day of the week for any workings in honour of the King of the Gods.
