Capitolium, the temple of Jupiter at Rome; or rather a general denomination under which not only that edifice, but also the citadel, was included. The former occupied the southern summit of the Mons Capitolinus (formerly named Saturnius, and also Tarpeius); while the northern and somewhat more elevated summit of the hill was crowned by the *Arx* or citadel. The Capitolium is said to have been so called because in laying its foundations the head of a man (*caput Toli*) was dug up in a fresh and perfect condition. The building was commenced by Tarquinius Priscus, and completed by Tarquinius Superbus; but it was not dedicated till the third year after the expulsion of the kings, B.C. 507, when this ceremony was performed by the consul M. Horatius. It was destroyed by fire in B.C. 83, but was rebuilt by Sulla, and dedicated by Q. Catulus in B.C. 69; and was again burnt A.D. 70, by the soldiers of Vitellius, and rebuilt by Vespasian. In the reign of Titus, A.D. 80, it was burned a third time; but Domitian restored it with greater magnificence than ever.

The temple contained, under one roof, three *cellae*, which were consecrated respectively to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The central cell was the temple of Jupiter, who is hence called *media qui sedet axile Deum*.

The form of the Capitol was a square, 200 feet on each side; the gates were of bronze; and it was approached from the forum by a flight of 100 steps. Both the inside and the outside of the building were adorned with extraordinary magnificence, the gilding alone having cost 12,000 talents, a sum equivalent to L.1,976,250 sterling. In the Capitol the Sibylline books were deposited; here the consuls and magistrates offered sacrifices when they first entered upon their offices; and hither the victorious general to whom the honour of a triumph was decreed was conducted in his triumphal car.

The ancient Capitol also contained other temples, as those of Terminus, Jupiter Feretrius, &c. The term Capitol was likewise applied to the principal temples of other cities.

The Capitoline Mount, as being the highest part of Rome, and everywhere strongly fortified, was sometimes called simply *arx*; and sometimes the term Capitolium was applied to the whole hill. Again, in contradistinction to the *arx* proper, the capitol itself is sometimes called *Ara Tarpeia*, or *Arx Capitolina*. The site of the ancient temple is now in part occupied by the Palazzo Caffarelli, and that of the Arx by the church of Ara Celi. The ancient name of Capitolium has been corrupted into Campidoglio.

The present buildings, forming three sides of a square, were erected by Michael Angelo; and one of them contains the magnificent collection of antiquities known as the Capitoline Museum.