Vestal Virgins: The Power Of Purity In Ancient Rome

The Power of Purity
A vision in white surrounded by the air of purity and near divinity was the image of a Vestal virgin. These women became synonymous with the eternal existence and safety of Rome. The representation of influence, devotion, and power were characteristics of these six women who sacrificed their sexuality and family cults to serve the Goddess Vesta and to profit from the advantages that such devotion earned. The life of a Vestal virgin was unlike that of any other Roman woman with her political influence and symbolic protection of the Roman state.
As a central entity to ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins chastity and legality determined the very survival of the powerful city. The Vestal Virgins became synonymous with the eternal existence and safety of the Roman state. Originating during the reign of King Numa in 715 BCE, the Vestals were introduced as a form of protection to restore confidence and ensure the existence of the Roman state. They were to remain chaste
The historical purpose, detailed requirements of selection, and public ritual participation made the Vestal Virgins an essential political function in addition to their religious role with a number of other religious tasks were performed by the Vestal Virgins and were given privileges not granted to other Roman women. They had the right to decide over their fortunes and properties once the years of servitude were completed. As a guardian of Rome’s symbolic storeroom and religious substances called the penus, the priestesses were the only romans allowed within this room and knew the exact nature of what it contained. The Vestals had the sole responsibility of these contents and whatever they might be were indispensable for the continuation of the Roman state.