Despite the vestals always being under male control they still held some importance and were seen as powerful, which made people respect them. The vestal virgins were provided with more honors and rights compared to the other women in Ancient Rome. Although they seemed to be and their sacred duties seemed unimportant, they were actually very important and can not be underestimated. Vestals were only second to the Pontifex Maximus, who was seen as the emperor in imperial times. Vestals tending to the sacred flame was seen as continuing and ensuring the safety of the Roman state and people. When a vestal virgin died then she would be honored, but this was if she had not broken her vows during her life. Her ashes would be interred in the pomoerium.
