Do you know who a Vestal Virgin is? Well, they were a cult of 6 priestesses who tended the sacred flame of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. The Vestal Virgins are believed to have been founded by Numa Pompilius a roman king who ruled from around 715 to 673 B.C. According to the first-century author Varro, the first Vestal Virgins were named Gegania, Veneneia, Canuleia, and Tarpeia. 

                  New Vestal Virgins were chosen between the ages of 6 to 10 by the Pontifex Maximus (chief priest). They had to serve Vesta for 30 years then they could marry though all most none did. According to Britannica to be chosen “Vestal Virgins had to be of the required age, be freeborn of freeborn and respectable parents (though later the daughters of freedmen were eligible), have both parents alive, and be free from physical and mental defects.” Now you know how the new Vestal Virgins were chosen.

                  If the flame ever went out in Vesta's temple the Romans thought that either the city of Rome was in danger or a Vestal Virgin became unchaste. If a Vestal Virgin became unchaste she would be sent to an underground room with a bit of bread, water, and oil, the room would also have a bed, blanket, and oil lamp. Never to be seen again. I hope that you have learned more about the Vestal Virgins.