Temple of Jupiter Feretrius

The Temple of Jupiter Feretrius (Latin: Aedes Iovis Feretrii) was, according to legend, the first temple ever built in Rome (the second being the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus). Its site is uncertain but is thought to have been on the Capitoline Hill. According to Roman legend, the temple was dedicated by Romulus as a shrine for spolia opima, armor taken from an enemy commander whom a Roman had killed in single combat. Counting Romulus's own contribution, three such offerings were said to have been made in the regal and republican periods, during which the temple was also a center of activity for the Fetial priesthood. The last mentions of the temple come from the reign of Augustus, who both renovated the building and blocked a nobleman from making a new contribution of spolia.