Dioscuri

(Castor and Pollux)

Public Art : Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux)

Sculptor: Unknown

Date: Unknown

Description: Two marble statues depicting Castor and Pollux. Both naked figures are with their trusty steads.

Location: Perched on the top of the stairs of the Piazza del Campidoglio, Capitoline Museum, Rome, Italy (Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the seven hills). 

History of the Dioscuri: The entrance to the piazza outside the Capitoline Museum is guarded by the statues of Castor and Pollux. The statues were placed in the piazza in 1583 after being discovered during excavations.

Background of Castor and Pollux: Castor and Pollux were twin brothers in Greek legend and are often referred to as Dioscuri, the "sons of Zeus". Castor was said to be mortal and a skilled horse tamer whilst Pollux was believed to be immortal and a skilled boxer. On Castor death Pollux prayed to Zeus that he share his own immortality with Castor. Zeus granted his request and they were transported to the sky as constellations and became guardians of mariners, the Gemini.
In Roman legend it is believed that divine intervention by the brothers resulted in a Roman victory at the battle of Lake Regillus. A temple in the Roman Forum and many statues were erected in their honour.

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