In ancient Rome, a lone priestess walks solemnly towards an underground chamber, her fate sealed by the judgment of her people. Despite her proclamations of innocence, she has been condemned to a live burial. The chamber, her final resting place, contains only the bare essentials: bread, water, milk, and oil, along with a lamp, a bed, and a blanket. She pauses at the threshold, asserts her innocence one last time, and steps into the chamber, never to be seen again by the Roman populace.
This priestess was one of Rome’s six Vestal Virgins, a group of women chosen from the city’s most aristocratic families. With her death, the number of Vestal Virgins dwindles to five, necessitating the selection of a new member. Among the spectators of this grim spectacle is six-year-old Licinia, unaware that she will soon be chosen as the next Vestal Virgin. Her noble lineage, youth, and apparent good health make her an ideal candidate to serve the goddess Vesta, much to her parents’ pride. However, Licinia herself is filled with trepidation, knowing she has no choice but to serve the goddess for the next 30 years.
Licinia’s first decade as a Vestal Virgin is dedicated to training. Her primary responsibility is to maintain the sacred flame of Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth. Unlike other deities, Vesta is symbolized not by a statue but by a flame that burns perpetually in her temple, located near the Forum at the heart of Rome. The flame signifies two crucial aspects: the enduring power of Rome and the unbroken virginity of Vesta’s priestesses. The Romans believed that if the flame were to extinguish, it would spell disaster for the city.
As part of her daily routine, Licinia tends to the flame, ensuring it never falters. She learns to draw water from a nearby fountain to purify the temple and studies the Fasti, the calendar of sacred rituals. Under the guidance of senior priestesses, she observes and participates in sacrifices. By the time her training concludes, Licinia is 16, fully aware that her conduct reflects the goddess she serves.
Licinia’s life is fraught with the fear that the state might demand her life to avert potential calamities. Accusations of incestum, or unchastity, could lead to her sacrifice, regardless of her innocence. She now comprehends the fate of her predecessor, who was buried alive a decade earlier when the flame of Vesta was extinguished. The priestesses, unable to conceal the incident, reported it to the chief priest, prompting an investigation. A claim surfaced that one of the Vestals had broken her vow of chastity, leading to her trial and execution.
The death of the accused Vestal was intended to safeguard Rome, yet Licinia mourns the loss and the harsh reality she faces. Her path was paved by the sacrifice of another, and her life remains precariously tied to the flickering flame she is sworn to protect.
Imagine you are a Vestal Virgin in ancient Rome. Write a diary entry describing your daily duties, feelings, and the responsibilities you have. Think about how you would feel maintaining the sacred flame and the pressure of your role. Share your diary entry with the class and discuss how it would feel to live under such strict rules.
Using the information from the article, create a timeline of a Vestal Virgin’s life from selection to the end of their service. Include key events such as training, daily duties, and any significant rituals or ceremonies. Present your timeline to the class and explain the importance of each event.
Form two groups and debate the role of women in ancient Rome, focusing on the Vestal Virgins. One group will argue that the role of Vestal Virgins was empowering, while the other group will argue that it was oppressive. Use evidence from the article to support your arguments. After the debate, discuss what you learned about gender roles in ancient Rome.
Draw or create a model of the Temple of Vesta, where the Vestal Virgins maintained the sacred flame. Include important features such as the hearth, the sacred flame, and any other elements mentioned in the article. Present your design to the class and explain the significance of each part of the temple.
Research another ancient culture’s religious practices and compare them to those of the Vestal Virgins in Rome. Create a Venn diagram to show the similarities and differences. Present your findings to the class and discuss how different cultures approached religion and the roles of religious figures.
Rome – The capital city of Italy, known for its ancient history and as the center of the Roman Empire. – The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most famous ancient structures in the world.
Vestal – Relating to the Vestal Virgins, priestesses in ancient Rome who were dedicated to the goddess Vesta. – The Vestal Virgins were responsible for keeping the sacred flame of Vesta burning at all times.
Virgins – Women who have not engaged in sexual intercourse, often associated with purity and chastity. – The Virgins of ancient Rome were honored for their commitment to serving the goddess Vesta.
Goddess – A female deity or divine figure worshipped in various religions. – In Roman mythology, Vesta is the goddess of the hearth and home.
Flame – The visible, gaseous part of a fire, often symbolizing purity or divinity. – The sacred flame tended by the Vestal Virgins represented the eternal life of Rome.
Training – The process of learning skills or knowledge for a specific purpose. – The Vestal Virgins underwent rigorous training to prepare for their important religious duties.
Responsibility – The duty to take care of something or someone. – The Vestal Virgins had the responsibility to maintain the sacred flame and uphold their vows.
Innocence – The state of being free from guilt or sin; purity. – The Vestal Virgins were seen as symbols of innocence and virtue in Roman society.
Sacrifice – The act of giving up something valuable for the sake of something else. – The Romans made a sacrifice to the gods to ensure the safety and prosperity of their city.
Chastity – The state of abstaining from sexual intercourse, often for religious reasons. – The Vestal Virgins vowed to live in chastity for thirty years as part of their service to Vesta.
