The Vestal Virgins were six priestesses in ancient Rome

 The Vestal Virgins were six priestesses in ancient Rome, chosen as children (ages 6–10) from noble families for 30 years of service, tasked with maintaining the eternal fire of Vesta to ensure Rome's safety. They held immense privilege—such as legal independence from fathers and special court seating—but breaking their vow of chastity was punished by being buried alive. 

Requirements and Selection

• Selection: Girls were selected by the pontifex maximus (high priest) between ages 6 and 10.
• Physical Purity: They had to be free of physical defects.
• Family Status:
   Both parents had to be alive (patrimus et matrimus) and they had to be from noble families.
Service Term: 30 years—10 in training, 10 in service, and 10 in instructing new initiates. 

Role and Significance

• The Eternal Flame: Their primary duty was ensuring the sacred fire of Vesta in the Roman Forum never went out, as its extinguishing was thought to signify the end of Rome.
• Ritual Duties: They were priestesses who performed rituals and made offerings (e.g., mola salsa, a special flour).
• Custodians: They acted as safe keepers of important documents, including state wills and treaties. 

Privileges

• Legal Freedom: They were freed from patria potestas (the power of their father).
• High Status: They could own property, sign wills, and inherit, which was rare for Roman women.
• Public Honors: They had the right to be preceded by a lictor (a public officer) in public, and they received front-row seating at games and theater.
• Protection: Their persons were considered sacred (sacrosanct). 

Punishment for Breaking Vows 

• Incestum: A breach of their chastity vow was seen as a threat to the state.
• The Penalty: Because their blood could not be shed, they were buried alive in a chamber with meager food and water. 

Number of Vestals

• The college typically consisted of six women. 
• also see
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_the_Vestals
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Vesta

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestal_Virgin