Here's why:
* Ancient Roman astronomers: They observed the bright, prominent planet in the sky and named it after their most powerful god.
* Ancient Greek influence: The Romans adopted much of their mythology from the Greeks, so Jupiter was essentially a direct translation of Zeus.
* Importance of the planet: Jupiter was a major celestial body in the ancient world, visible to the naked eye and thought to be a powerful influence. Naming it after their most powerful god reflected its importance.
So, Jupiter is named after the king of the gods because ancient Romans saw it as a fitting name for the largest and most visible planet in our sky.