07_07_09_Temple of the Vestal Virgins

ROMAN FORUM Temple of the Vestal Virgins

In Ancient Rome, the Temple and Atrium of the Vestal Virgins was the residence of the six vestal virgins, who were priestesses for Vesta, the goddess of fire. The residence was located behind the Temple of Vesta, between the Regia and Palatine Hill. It remained at this location from the 6th century BC to the 4th century CE. The first temple resembled a circular hut and was rebuilt several times after being destroyed by fire. A few marble fragments have remained. The current ruins of the house of the Vestal Virgins contain statues in the atrium that have been re-erected on different bases. These statues recognize the service of the Vestals. The ones on display are from the time of Septimius Severus. After the first known house of the vestals was destroyed by the Neronian fire, the current house of the vestals was built and was originally three stories. There were three basins in the atrium. Furthermore, a secret place which held special objects was believed to have been in the temple. The objects included the Palladium, a statue intended to protect the city. When the vestal virgins left in 394 CE, the complex was used for imperial offices; at this time, the statues were removed to suppress non-Christian cults. I chose this specific work because I find it very interesting how the vestal virgins represented the only female priests within the Roman religious hierarchy. They were able to exhibit real influence in Rome and were treated as royalty. Many families probably greatly desired for their daughter to live in the Atrium Vestae. However, the repercussions for any misbehavior on the virgins’ part were extremely harsh.
Emily Ostrom, Survey of Art and Architecture in Italy, University of Florida