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Jupiter was the supreme god of all the Olympian gods. He was called
"shining father". He was also known as the God of Justice. Jupiter was
a god of light and sky, and the protector of the state and its laws. He
was the son of Saturn and the brother of Neptune and Juno. Juno was
also his wife.. The Romans worshipped him as Jupiter Optimus Maximus,
the all powerful.. This name refered not only to his rulership over the
universe, but also to his function as the god of the state who distributed
laws, controled the realm and made his will known through oracles. His
English name was Jove.
Jupiter had a temple on the Capitol, along with Juno and Minerva, but he was the most prominent of this Capitoline triad. His temple was not only the most important sanctuary in Rome; it was also the center of political life. Here official offerings were made, treaties were signed and wars were declared, and the triumphant generals of the Roman army came here to give their thanks. Other titles of Jupiter include: Caelestis (heavenly), Lucetius (of the light), Totans (thunderer), Fulgurator (of the lightning). As Jupiter Victor he led the Roman army to victory. Jupiter is also the protector of the ancient league of Latin cities. His attribute is the lightning bolt and the eagle is both his symbol and his messenger. Jupiter is completely identical with the Greek Zeus Jupiter is the first of the "Gas Giants", and the fifth planet from the sun. It's "Great Red Spot" is it's most well known feature. It is actually a hurricane larger the Earth itself. Jupiter is also the largest planet. If Jupiter was hollow, you could fit over 1,000 Earths inside it. |
