Jupiter/Zeus

This Roman equivalent of the Greek divinity Zeus

was regarded as the supreme deity in the Roman pantheon. As the state’s protector and the god of the heavens and light, he was revered as the supreme god and king of gods by the Romans.1 Jupiter Optimus Maximus, which is Latin for “all-powerful and all good,” was the name given to him. His worship was practiced all over Italy, and he was regarded as the most holy. Summit Alan Hill, located south of Rome, is the location of Jupiter’s throne. Among the oldest temples that were affiliated to Jupiter’s priests was found in Capitoline Hill which also acted as a residence for Jupiter’s priests who had the power of making treaties on behalf of Rome and this extended to the even declaration of wars.2

The popularity of Jupiter’s worship

can be attributed to the fact that he was considered as the sole supreme and the ruler of the universe. Besides He also protected the deity of the race. Both the Greeks and the Romans considered the two to be the custodians of the laws that regulated the states and they exercised his will through the oracles. Since he controlled both justice and the law, the people had to make an oath in his name, and this was done in courts.3

In comparisons with the beliefs in the 21st century

I believe to some extent there still exist some spiritual needs that are similar to the ancient Greeks. Though the way of worship and the Gods worshiped have changed the basic belief has been upheld. Just the believers in antiquity as even the believers in the 21st century believe in the existence of a Supreme Being that has total control over the whole universe. The Sacred Being is worshiped in special places that are considered as sacred i.e. mosques, churches and temples just like it was done in the ancient times. In both believes the Greeks and 21st century believers make their prayers to the Supreme God who they believe is the sole provider of everything. The lives of modern believers are controlled by the deity. Much of the spheres of life are hugely influenced by religion similar to the people in Ancient Greece, and this included marriages, social set ups, divorces, and death.

Bibliography

Donald L. Wasson. (2014). Jupiter - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://www.ancient.eu/jupiter/

Encyclopædia Britannica. (n.d.). Jupiter | Roman god | Britannica.com. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jupiter-Roman-god

The Olypimpian gods. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/olympian-gods.html