Capo Colonna
Capo Colonna is a promontory located on the Ionian Sea coast in the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is specifically situated near the town of Crotone, part of the Kingdom of Sicily. The cape is known for the presence of an ancient temple dedicated to Juno Lacinia.
Of the great temple and settlement near nothing remains. Seismic activity and pagan oppression has destroyed it over the centuries. In 1220 AD, two columns, in Doric style, rests on the few remains of the once mighty stylobate. Like many ancient temples it has been long abandoned by devotees. The Faerie Aura which at one time must have covered the temple is now too weak or doesn't exist at all. Perhaps this is why the temple's destruction has been so thorough. In 1220, Capo Colonna has a Magical Aura of 3. Throughout its history, many legends have been associated with the site. Here are some of the most famous.
A Censor, in his dedication of the Temple of Fortuna Equestris in Rome, repurposed the marble tiles from the roof of the Temple of Juno. The Senate later demanded the return of the tiles, but due to a lack of expertise in replacing them, they were left within the temple precinct. In 172 BC, facing sorrow over distressing news concerning his sons, Flaccus took his own life by hanging. The prevailing belief among the populace was that his tragic fate resulted from Juno Lacinia's wrath, angered by his earlier despoliation of her temple.
In 206 BC, as the Second Punic War neared its end, Hannibal established his final camp in the vicinity before leaving Italy. During his stay, he erected a bronze plaque at the camp, inscribed in both Punic and Greek, detailing his achievements. Hannibal, intrigued by the nearby temple dedicated to the goddess who held a special affection for Carthage, explored its wonders. Notably, the temple boasted a golden column that piqued Hannibal's curiosity. To ascertain whether the column was indeed made of solid gold, he drilled a hole. Upon confirming its composition, Hannibal entertained the idea of taking it back to Carthage.
However, his plans took a turn when Juno, the goddess of the temple, appeared to him in a dream the following night. In the dream, she warned Hannibal of dire consequences, threatening the loss of his remaining good eye if he proceeded to take the golden column. Heeding divine caution, Hannibal changed course. Instead of seizing the entire column, he had a small statue crafted from the drill shavings, forming a representation of a heifer sacred to Juno. This statue was then mounted atop the column as a respectful alternative to his original intent.
Story Seed: Restituto Lacinium
Juno’s active role in the defence of the temple speaks of its importance to her. Zeuxis the famous Roman painter is said to have painted it at its height. If a copy of this artwork could be recovered, an invaluable template on how to restore the temple. A possible first step in repairing the relationship with Juno,
Story Seed: A New Temple?
If your saga follows real history, Basilian monks will establish a basilica upon the promontory. Bring with them a holy icon of Saint Luke. Originally belonging to Dionysius the Areopagite. If the temple of Juno has began being reconstructed, or covenant created upon the site, conflict will surely arise as the magi must dissuade these pious holymen.
Story Seed: Hunt of the Heifer
Neither of the columns that stand today are the golden ones. So one has to wonder what became of it. Finding would prove momentarily valuable, but might also offer insight into the practices of the Cult of Juno. When rumours of a golden cow being spotted reaches the magi they see it fit to investigate. Sadly it's not as simple as it might seem. There are no less than 4 golden bovid travelling around Calabria. One is an intelligent Animation of a local wizard of the Augustan Brotherhood. Another is a lesser demon, styling itself as the young bull of the Golden Calf itself. The third is the inanimate heifer made by Hannibal, which serves as an Arcane Connection to the pillar. The last is a faerie who has gotten involved, perhaps by the orders of Juno.