Temple of Jupiter Stator (3rd century BC)

The Temple of Jupiter Stator, dedicated to the Roman god Jupiter in his capacity as "Stator" (the stayer or establisher), refers to a temple said to have been vowed in Rome during the 3rd century BC. While the precise location and exact details of this particular temple are debated, historical accounts associate it with the Roman Forum or the vicinity.

The epithet "Stator" highlighted Jupiter's role in halting retreats in battle. The vow of the temple is attributed to a critical moment in a Roman military conflict, possibly during the Second Samnite War. When Roman forces were wavering, a vow to build a temple to Jupiter Stator was made, with the belief that divine intervention would rally the troops and secure victory.

The temple was intended as a fulfillment of this vow. Its purpose was to honor Jupiter and ensure his continued support for the Roman state, especially in times of military crisis. The temple would have served as a site for religious ceremonies, prayers, and sacrifices, all aimed at maintaining the pax deorum (peace of the gods).

The exact placement and architectural features of this 3rd century BC temple remain uncertain due to limited archaeological evidence and conflicting literary accounts. However, its existence is supported by historical sources, and it reflects the importance of religion in Roman military and political life during the early Republic.

There is a later, more well-documented Temple of Jupiter Stator built in the 2nd century BC, often associated with Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus. It is important to differentiate between the earlier temple vowed during the 3rd century BC, which is the subject of this entry, and the later, more prominent temple built by Metellus. The potential conflation of these two temples contributes to the ambiguity surrounding the 3rd century BC structure.