Vestal Virgins

The cultural summation of Ancient Rome can be found in its closely intertwined religious beliefs and complex politics – and there was nothing more complex than the out of character privileges allowed to the pious women of Rome, the Vestal Virgins. The Vestal Virgins were a cult made up of six women, the Virgo Vestalis Maxima and five other Vestals. These women were in charge of worshiping the hearth-goddess Vesta and keeping her sacred fire of Rome always burning (Schultz 1505). The Vestals served a total of thirty years: the first ten years learning the responsibilities and rituals of their sacred position, the next ten years actively serving the goddess Vesta, and the final ten years passing on the knowledge of what they learned to the next …show more content…
The College of Pontiffs contained a predominately male group of priests, including the Pontifex Maximus, and the only female priestesshood, the Vestal Virgins (Adkins 276). The Vestal’s acceptance into the College of Pontiffs was an honor denoting their importance as integral to Rome’s religious festivals and sacrifice. Vestals were responsible for making the mola salsa – a cake made of salted grains. Due to this contribution the Vestals participated in all major festivals and almost all sacrifices, an honor not granted to any other woman of Rome (ancient-origins.net). The significance of Vesta in Rome was apparent in their worship and rituals. The goddess Vesta was invoked at the end of every prayer and sacrifice establishing the Vestal Virgins as the most prominent women in Rome (Schilling and Guittard 9584). Due to their religious status, the state lavished the Vestal Virgins with expensive gifts and wealth. Families also gifted Vestals with expensive offerings in the hopes that their families would be included in their prayers (suzanneadair.net). According Cicero, an orator and politician, “If the gods were to scorn the Vestal’s prayers, it would be the end of our power (48).” Due to her connection with Vesta and her recognized virginity, a Vestal’s blood was considered sacred and any assault to their person was an offense punishable by death. Because considered inviolable, Vestals were accompanied by lictors, the emperor’s armed guards. For instance, when Vestals traveled, they rode in special carriages surrounded by lictors who carried with them long poles with bulbous ends (ancient-origins.net). The most important obligation the Vestals were supposed to uphold was to keep their virginity intact. If a Vestal Virgin broke her vows, she was condemned to death by being buried alive. For example, Cannutia Crescentina broke her vow of purity,