Description of the Temple (Reg VIII, Ins 7, 25) .. The portico of the temple was fronted by 6 Corinthian columns (pictured above). The cella was divided into 3 parts by a series of columns, typifying a Greek influenced Roman temple. The back wall of the cella was veneered with marble. The Temple of Jupiter stands on the north side of the Forum. It dates from the 2nd century BC and was originally dedicated to Jupiter Meilichios. It was built on a raised podium accessed by a double flight of stairs. .. .. As with the Temple of Apollo, the floor of the Temple of Jupiter had a rhomboid polychrome stone pattern, arranged in imitation of perspective cubes known as opus scutulatum. The first wall decoration was painted in the first style in faux marble, probably replaced in the Sullan period by frescoes in the second style. A third restoration took place in the time of Tiberius, the interior walls of the cella being redecorated in the third style. The Temple held statues of the Capitoline triad, including a statue of Jupiter, of which, unfortunately, only the head now remains (pictured on the left). As with much of Pompeii, the temple was in the process of being repaired, having been seriously damaged by the earthquake of 62AD, when Vesuvius erupted.

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