Vestal Virgins

Vestal Virgins were ancient priestesses serving the Roman goddess Vesta, deity of the hearth, home, and family. Vestals played an important role in Roman religion and society. Consisting of usually six women who served within the College of the Vestals for thirty years, the Vestals were charged with maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, which represented the security of the Roman state. Vestals were highly esteemed in their duties and often received special treatment as a result. Failure to carry out their duties or remain faithful to the goddess during their tenure was punishable by death, however. When their service ended, Vestals were released from their duties and sent into society with large pensions. Although they were free to marry, few Vestals did due to religious superstitions.

Background

The existence of Vestal Virgins dates back to the early worship of the goddess Vesta, goddess of the hearth, home, and family. According to ancient Roman historian Livy, the Roman king Numa Pompilius, who reigned between 717 and 673 BCE, established the College of the Vestals. Originally, there were only two Vestals, or priestesses, who served their posts for five years. This number gradually increased to four and then six. The Vestals' time in service also increased to thirty years. The virgins were chosen by a Vestal chief priest, known as the pontifex maximus, who selected girls usually of noble birth between the ages of six and ten. Once chosen, the girls were taken from their homes and relocated to their new home at the Atrium of Vesta. The girl's hair was shaved off, and she was given her priestess outfit, which consisted of all white attire and a headband called an infula that was adorned with ribbons. Vestals also wore veils during certain rituals. White symbolized purity and spirituality. The Vestals' togas and ribbons were similar to those worn by Roman brides, as was their braided hairstyles.

A Vestal's first ten years were spent training for her duties. The next ten years saw the Vestal perform her service. Her final ten years involved training future Vestals. Vestal Virgins were charged with keeping the sacred flame of Vesta lit throughout their service. Roman citizens believed that as long as Vesta's flame remained alight, civilization would continue unscathed. The six Vestal Virgins tended to this fire every day. Any change in its intensity was considered a bad omen for Rome and its military campaigns. Historians believe Romans often used Vestal Virgins as scapegoats when military campaigns failed. Defeat on the battlefield was often blamed on a priestess's adultery or poor care of Vesta's fire. If the fire ever died out, the Vestal Virgin on duty was stripped and beaten by the chief priest.

Vestals offered daily sacrifices to the gods. Their daily duties also included saying prayers and preparing for festivals of the goddess Vesta. Vestals also worshipped the deity Bona Dea, who was also associated with the security of Rome and its people. Bona Dea was also connected to fertility and chastity. Vestals had many privileges and powers that ordinary Roman women did not, and their presence was revered by the citizenry. Officials known as lictors cleared the way for their passage when they traveled out in public. Anyone traveling with the priestesses was safeguarded from any attack or harm. The priestesses also had the power to save a criminal from prison or execution if they met the criminal in transit. Vestals were never expected to take oaths because their words were considered sacred. They were also trusted with secret state documents and wills.

Overview

During their three decades of service, the priestesses were required to remain chaste. After their service ended, they were free to marry. Few Vestals ever married after their service. Marriage to a Vestal Virgin was considered unlucky since they were technically married to Vesta. Since Vesta represented the safety and well-being of the city, Vestals were basically married to the city. Any relations with a Roman citizen during a Vestal's tenure as a priestess were regarded as incest. Livy wrote of a Vestal Virgin named Minucia who was sentenced to death for incest and reproved for having an "improper love of dress." Other death sentences were handed down based on the testimony of temple slaves. Harming a priestess was strictly forbidden otherwise.

Vestal Virgins who broke their vows of chastity were severely punished. Punishments included being buried alive or having hot lead poured down the throat. Vestal Virgins were highly regarded among Roman society, and this admiration is why punishment for broken vows was so harsh. Most Vestal Virgins stayed true to their vows, however. The Roman community greatly honored the Vestal Virgins, providing for their needs throughout their service by paying taxes to the temple. This allowed the priestesses to have a rather luxurious life that included reserved seating at Coliseum events and a large pension following their service. Vestal Virgins also were not subjected to the same type of restrictions Roman women endured in ancient times and therefore had greater freedom within society.

Ancient Greek historian Plutarch wrote of the toll religious service took on the Vestal Virgins, who did not adapt well to life outside of service. It was observed that many Vestals who did marry were regretful and melancholy after the fact. These observations paired with religious fears and doubts led to many Vestals choosing to live a single life after service, and many remained unmarried into old age.

Bibliography

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Lutwyche, Jayne. "Ancient Rome's Maidens—Who Were the Vestal Virgins?" BBC, 7 Sept. 2012, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/18490233. Accessed 6 July 2017.

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"Vestal Virgins." King's College, departments.kings.edu/womens‗history/vestals.html. Accessed 6 July 2017.

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