stone statue inside the palatine hill space sacerdotal order vestias rome italy

navigate by keyword : priestly order vestals dates back romulus numa 8th 7th centuries priestesses young aristocratic virgins chosen pontifex maximus ages service priestess lasted years brought wealth privilege required chastity observation rituals alight public fire burned temple vesta looked sacred objects celebrated annual festivals occasions prepared mola salsa mixture flour salt sprinkled sacrificial victims

stone statue inside the palatine hill in the space of the sacerdotal order of the vestias, Rome, Italy Royalty Free Stock Photo

stone statue inside the palatine hill in the space of the sacerdotal order of the vestias, Rome, Italy

The priestly order of Vestals dates back to Romulus or Numa (8th - 7th centuries BC). Priestesses had to be young aristocratic virgins, and were chosen by the Pontifex Maximus when they were between the ages of 6 and 10. Their service as priestess lasted for 30 years and brought them wealth and privilege, but also required chastity and observation of rituals. The Vestals kept alight the public fire that burned in the temple of Vesta, looked after sacred objects and celebrated annual festivals. On these occasions the Vestals prepared the mola salsa, a mixture of flour and salt, which was sprinkled on sacrificial victims.