Vestal Virgin

Roman Forum East - House of the Vestal Virgins

The House of the Vestal Virgins was a 50 room palace in ancient Rome where the priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth, resided.

There were only 2-6 Vestals at any time. They were "committed to the priestesshood before puberty (when 6–10 years old) and sworn to celibacy for a period of 30 years. These 30 years were divided in turn into decade-long periods during which Vestals were respectively students, servants, and teachers. Afterwards, they were retired and replaced by a new inductee. Once retired, a former Vestal was given a pension and allowed to marry. The Pontifex Maximus, acting as the father of the bride, would typically arrange a marriage with a suitable Roman nobleman. A marriage to a former Vestal was highly honored, and – more importantly in ancient Rome – thought to bring good luck, as well as a comfortable pension."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestal_Virgin

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