Rome is built on seven hills: Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal, and Capitoline. Today, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Capitoline Hill, home to some of Rome’s most significant historical and religious buildings.
The Capitoline Hill is distinguished by its two peaks separated by a depression. The peaks are known as the Arx and the Capitolium, while the depression is called the Asylum. Today, the famous Piazza del Campidoglio sits within this depression. On either side of the piazza, grand staircases lead to the religious buildings mentioned earlier. The Temple of Jupiter stands atop the Capitolium, and the Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli crowns the Arx.
But what is the story behind the Capitoline Hill? As with many historical sites, its origins are steeped in legend. According to ancient tales, the earliest settlement in the area that would become Rome was founded on the Capitoline Hill by Saturn. The surrounding areas, corresponding to the Palatine and Quirinal Hills, were home to the Sabines and Romans, respectively, who engaged in constant battles for control of the coveted Capitoline Hill. This period culminated in the famous “Betrayal of Tarpeia.”
Tarpeia was the daughter of the commander of the garrison defending the hill. In exchange for precious bracelets, she allegedly agreed to open the gates of the hill to the Sabines, allowing them to invade and conquer. Despite these ancient conflicts, the hill’s beauty and sacredness are undoubtedly linked to the construction of some of Rome’s oldest sanctuaries and temples. Of particular note is the temple dedicated to the Capitoline Triad: Juno, Minerva, and Jupiter Optimus Maximus.