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Absolute chastity
- The vestals remained in the service of the temple for up to 30 years under vows of absolute chastity, violation of which was punishable by being buried alive.
www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/ancient-religions/ancient-religion/vestal
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In ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins or Vestals (Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, virgin goddess of Rome's sacred hearth and its flame. The Vestals were unlike any other public priesthood.
Vow of Chastity and Duties. A Vestal Virgin’s primary obligation was to maintain her chastity and perform religious rituals. This vow of chastity symbolized a marriage to Rome and the goddess Vesta. They were also responsible for safeguarding sacred objects and keeping the eternal flame alight.
May 26, 2024 · Most importantly, the Vestals were bound by a sacred vow of chastity for their 30 years in office. Losing one‘s virginity was regarded as a form of incest and an act of treason that threatened Rome itself.
Dec 18, 2018 · Chosen as young girls, the priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth, swore a 30-year vow of chastity and in turn were granted rights, privileges, and power unavailable to other women in Rome.
In the waning years of the first century A.D., one of the six Vestal virgins who guarded Rome’s sacred flame was accused of breaking her vow of chastity. Sentenced to death by the emperor Domitian (81–96 A.D.), she was dragged to an underground chamber just inside the city walls and buried alive.
Nov 2, 2022 · Composed of six virgin priestesses who lived in the temple of Vesta, they were women with unique freedoms in a patriarchal society. The Vestals’ primary duty was guarding Rome’s safety and destiny. Their virginity was essential to this. For a Vestal to break her vow of chastity was to endanger Rome.
Sep 2, 2009 · Vestal Virgins (Latin: Vestales) were the priestesses of the Roman goddess of the hearth, Vesta, in the state religion of ancient Rome. At varying times there were four to six priestesses employed. They were the only full-time clergy (collegia) of a Roman deity which attests to the high regard in which the goddess was held.
