Today Terracina
Temple of Jupiter Anxur, Terracina
The temple, or Roman sanctuary, above Terracina dates back to the fourth century BC, though much of the development belongs to the first and second centuries BC. The complex is large and spectacularly-situated, dominating the shoreline and sea. The sanctuary has long been assumed to have been dedicated to Jupiter, although Venus has been another suggestion.
Monte Sant'Angelo, 227m high, is the end of the Monti Ausoni mountain range. Descending straight to the sea, the mountain blocked the path of the Appian Way (Via Appia), which veered north of the summit until Trajan had the rock face cut to clear a route at sea level. This commanding position on a major communications route and above a port gave the site obvious significance, and the religious complex was designed on a large scale, to incorporate a military base.
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