Vestal Virgin facts for kids

The Vestals or Vestal Virgins were special priestesses in Ancient Rome. They served the Roman goddess Vesta. Vesta was the goddess of the hearth, home, and family.

These priestesses were part of an important group called the College of Pontiffs. Their main job was to look after a "sacred fire" dedicated to Vesta. This fire was super important and was never allowed to go out. Unlike most other women in Roman society, Vestals did not get married or have children. They dedicated their lives to serving the goddess.

Who Were the Vestals?

The Vestals were a small group of women. They were chosen at a young age to serve Vesta. Their role was very respected in Roman society. People believed that if the Vestals did their job well, Rome would be safe and strong.

What Did Vestals Do?

The most important duty of a Vestal was to keep the sacred fire burning. This fire was in the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum. If the fire went out, it was seen as a terrible sign for Rome. Vestals also guarded important items and made offerings to Vesta. They took part in special ceremonies and festivals.

Life as a Vestal Virgin

Becoming a Vestal was a big commitment. Girls were usually chosen between the ages of 6 and 10. They served for 30 years. The first 10 years were for learning, the next 10 for performing duties, and the last 10 for teaching new Vestals. After 30 years, they could leave and marry, but many chose to stay.

Why No Marriage?

Vestals took a vow of chastity, meaning they promised not to marry or have children. This was because they were fully dedicated to Vesta. Their purity was believed to be linked to the safety of Rome. Breaking this vow was a very serious offense.

How Were Vestals Chosen?

Vestals were usually chosen from noble families. The Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest, would select them. It was considered a great honor for a family to have a daughter become a Vestal. They had to be healthy and have both parents alive.

The Importance of Vestals

Vestals played a unique role in Roman life. They had special privileges that other women did not. They could own property and make their own wills. They were also protected by law. People would move out of their way when they walked through the streets. Their presence was a sign of Rome's strength and religious devotion.

Images for kids

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  2nd-century AD Roman statue of a Virgo Vestalis Maxima (National Roman Museum)

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  Relief of Vestal Virgins at a banquet, found in 1935 near Rome's Via del Corso (Museum of the Ara Pacis)

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  The most prominent feature of the ruins that were once the Temple of Vesta is the hearth (seen here in the foreground).

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  Early 18th-century depiction of the dedication of a Vestal, by Alessandro Marchesini

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  Statue of the Vestal Virgin Flavia Publicia in the House of the Vestals

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  Sieve Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I (1583) by Quentin Metsys the Younger

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  Vestal Virgin (1677–1730) by Jean Raoux

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  Madame Henriette de France as a Vestal Virgin (1749) by Jean-Marc Nattier

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  Portrait of a Woman as a Vestal Virgin (1770s) by Angelica Kauffman

See also

In Spanish: Vestal para niños