Location on Forum Plan
Via Sacra
Lapis Niger
Curia (Senate House)
Basilica Aemilia
Templum Antonini et Faustinae
Basilica Constantini
Templum Veneris et Romae
Arcus Titi
Regia
Atrium Vestae
Templum Vestae
Templum Juli
Templum Castoris
Basilica Julia
Templum Saturni
Tabularium
Templum Divi Vespasiani
Templum Concordiae
Lacus Curtius
Rostra
Miliarium Aureum
Arcus Septimii Serveri
Carcer (Prison) |
 House of the Vestals
The Vestal Virgins lived in the Atrium Vestae, a home built
for them close to the temple of Vesta. Only daughters of Roman patricians
were selected to be Vestals. These children, between the ages of six and
ten, took the oath of virginity for thirty years. The first ten years they
spent learning their duties; the second ten, in performing them; the final
ten, in teaching others. The first duty of these Vestals was to protect
the fire in the Temple of Vesta, the oldest and most sacred shrine in the
forum. If the fire went out, it was a sign that a Virgin had broken her
vow.
The Vestal Virgins had special privileges as well: they
were free and independent; they could make a will; the fasces were carried
before them whenever they went out; they had the great privilege of being
buried inside the walls of the city if they had been blameless in life and
death. After thirty years of service, the Virgins could leave their office
and live their own lives. |
