The Temple of Vesta and the neighbouring House of the Vestal Virgins form an important part of Rome’s history that dates back thousands of years. The remains of these prolific landmarks can be found in the Roman Forum at the base of the slopes of the Palatine. At one point in time, the temple and accompanying house stood proud in this area and held incredible importance for the city and the residents that lived there.
The Temple was originally dedicated to the goddess Vesta, who was the protector of the family and also of the State, but was traditionally attributed to Numa Pompilius, who was one of the very first kings of Rome.
The house, on the other hand, was home to the Vestal Virgins who guarded the sacred and eternal flame, which symbolised the eternal life of Rome. Standing in the shadow of the Temple of Vesta, the house was the official residence of the priestesses who guarded the sacred fire. As well as making sure the fire burned eternally, the Vestal Virgins also had a number of rites and duties to perform within the cult of the hearth.
It is thought that the house was round in shape because it was supposed to resemble a traditional hut and the oldest type of hearth and home known in Italian history. There was originally an opening in the roof that let out the smoke of the eternal flame. However, the fire regularly destroyed the house, causing it to be rebuilt over and over again, the last time of which was in the 2nd Century AD by Julia Domna, the wife of the Emperor Septimius Severus.
There were six priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins at any one time, and they all entered into flame duty when they were between the ages of six and ten. They remained there, in charge of the fire and the accompanying rites, for thirty years under strict chastity vows. The priestesses were handpicked by the supreme religious authority of the State, the Pontifex Maximus. And, at first, only Patricians – the earliest and most honourable residents of Rome – were eligible, but they could later be chosen from Plebeian families.
The Temple of Vesta pays homage to a fascinating part of Rome’s history, along with its neighbouring house of the Vestal Virgins. For centuries, these two landmarks were included in the most prominent and important attractions within Rome, and continue to provide awe today.
Advertisements
