Vestal Virgins

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses the vestal virgins and describes their position in Roman life. The writer notes that the vestal virgins were the only women priests in ancient Rome who looked over the Temple of Vesta. The writer explains that they served the goddess Vesta for thirty years in which some of their main duties were keeping their virginity and making sure the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta stayed going. They had many privileges, compared to other Roman women of their time, such as being able to make their own will. They also had very harsh punishments if they failed to perform their duties correctly. The writer maintains that the vestal virgins were looked at very highly and with the utmost respect because they knew the contents of the deeds, wills, and documents that were held in the Temple of Vesta. The writer concludes that very few women had the chance to be or become a vestal virgin and they were great women who held high honors.

From the Paper:

"Another one of their duties was to maintain their chastity. They also would retrieve water from a sacred spring because they did not use Rome's public water system. Other duties included, preparing food for rituals, caring for the temple's sanctuary, and officiating at the Vestalia. They would also keep wills and testaments safe. Because men entrusted the Vestal Virgins with their wills, testaments, and documents, they were looked upon very highly, and they were well respected.
"The Vestal Virgins frequently interacted with the public and would even have special seats reserved for them at banquets and games. The Vestalia lasted from June fifth to June fifteenth. This festival that celebrated Vesta was a public celebration. They were expected to be there and basically run the festival. On June fifth, they would sacrifice a pregnant cow. They could then use the ashes from this ritual to cleanse the Temple of Vesta."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fantham, Elaine, et al. Women in the Classical World. New York: Oxford UP, 1994.
• Lefkowitz, Mary R., and Maureen B. Fant. Women's Life in Greece and Ancient Rome. 3rd Edition. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins UP, 2005.
• Smith, William. "Vestales." 22 Mar. 2009. <http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/secondary/SMIGRA*/Vestales.html.>
• "Vestal Virgins." Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 2009.18 Mar. 2009. <http://search.eb.com/eb/article-9075182>.

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