institution
Vestal Virgins
Vestals
also: Vesta szüzek, Vestales
The six consecrated priestesses who maintained Rome's sacred hearth-fire; their perpetual virginity and ritual purity were believed essential to the safety of the Roman state.
Reading notes
- On Women and Their Vocation §1 Vestal Virgins
The six priestesses who tended Rome's sacred hearth-fire in the temple of Vesta; their virginity and ritual purity were considered essential to Rome's safety.