Jupiter Blaze, Gods of the Hills, and the Roman Topography ofCILVI 377

Abstract

On the basis of indications in CIL VI 377 the site and history of the temple of Jupiter Fulgur (Fulgerator) and of the Dei Montenses are discussed. The inner line of the City's defense parallel to the Agger of the Servian Wall is reconstructed in light of a thoroughfare, here named the Vicus Montanus, which crossed and linked the several hills and mounts of the City's northeastern portion, for purposes of defense in the early Republic. Evidence on the archaic rites and later interpretations of the Feast of Seven Hills (Septimontium) is reviewed. After a survey of Domitianic rebuilding of burned Rome, the so-called Hartwig relief from under the great Exedra of the Baths of Diocletian is re-examined in terms of Domitian's Altars of the Neronian Fire and his extraordinary Septimontial ceremony. The Hartwig monument is identified as the temple of the Gods of the Hills first built by Domitian in consequence of the fires of 64 and 80.