Vestal Virgins

Vestal Virgins, in Roman antiquity, priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Originally two and then four vestals were selected by the king; later the number was increased to six, and they were selected by the Pontifex Maximus, the high priest in the Roman religion. The vestals were vowed to 30 years of service as virgins: 10 of learning, 10 of performance, and 10 of teaching. A vestal who broke her vow of chastity was buried alive. To be eligible, a girl had to be over six and under ten years of age and without physical or mental defects; she had to be the daughter of a freeborn citizen resident of Italy; and both her mother and father had to be living. Among the duties of the vestals was the guarding and annual renewing of the sacred fire at the public shrine to Vesta and preparation of the sacrifices. They enjoyed many privileges, including the right to wear bridal dress.