Religion · Roman Empire Daily
The Vestal Virgins guarded Rome's sacred fire and held legal freedoms few Roman women had.
Deep dive
Chosen as girls, the Vestals served about 30 years tending the flame of Vesta, whose extinction was thought to threaten Rome. In return they could own property and make wills independently of a male guardian.
Source: Plutarch, 'Life of Numa,' 9–10; Aulus Gellius, 'Attic Nights,' 1.12.
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