Capitoline Temple

Ruins of the Capitoline Temple in Volubilis

Ruins of the Capitoline Temple in Volubilis

The structures at Volubilis have so far been ancient houses which are practically unrecognizable as houses. They do have magnificent floors covered in mosaics of different designs. It is almost difficult to say that these houses are unremarkable since the mosaic more than makes up for the unremarkable-ness of the houses. If you look across the archeological site of Volubilis, it is mostly flat with a few exceptions. One of these exceptions if the Capitoline Temple. The Capitoline Temple is actually a temple dedicated to the Romans gods of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. I have to constantly reminded that the Romans weren’t always Christian and they had their Roman gods before Constantine assumed the throne.

Corinthian Columns at Volubilis

Corinthian Columns at Volubilis

Not that different from Christian churches, the Capitoline Temple is where the people would come and thank the Roman gods. There is an elevated platform here which is surrounded by pillars. Much of the structure is already gone except for the columns. Roman columns are always a beauty to behold. There are usually architectural samples students are familiar with. The Capitoline Temple is one of the highest points of Volubilis and it could be seen from far away. It is a pity that much of the structure is already gone or it would have been a very impressive sight.

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