Aelia Capitolina was the Roman name for Jerusalem after it was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century.

What Was Aelia Capitolina?
Founded: Around 130 CE by Emperor Hadrian after crushing the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE).

Name Origin:

Aelia = Hadrian’s family name (Publius Aelius Hadrianus)

Capitolina = Honoring the Roman god Jupiter Capitolinus

Purpose: To Romanize Jerusalem and erase its Jewish identity. Jews were banned from entering the city, except possibly on one day a year (Tisha B’Av).

Key Features of Aelia Capitolina
Roman grid-style streets

Temples to Roman gods, including:

• A Temple of Jupiter on the former site of the Jewish Second Temple
• A Temple of Venus where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands
• Amphitheater, bathhouses, and military camps for the Tenth Legion (Legio X Fretensis)

Role in Early Christianity
By Constantine’s time (early 4th century), Aelia Capitolina was still the official name, but the city began to reclaim its Christian identity.

Constantine and his mother Helena made it a central pilgrimage destination by building:

• Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Other shrines at Christian holy sites, often built over destroyed pagan temples

Aelia Capitolina’s Legacy
The name Aelia Capitolina eventually faded as “Jerusalem” returned to common use, especially after the Christianization of the empire. Archaeological remains of Hadrian’s city can still be seen today, especially around Damascus Gate and beneath the Old City.