What is another name for Vestal?
For other uses, see Vestal (disambiguation). In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins ( Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The college of the Vestals was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome.
What is the meaning of Vestalis Maxima?
Roman statue of a Virgo Vestalis Maxima. In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins (Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals and its well-being were regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome.
Who were the Vestals of Lavinium?
Flavia (or Valeria) Vera, a virgo vestalis maxima arcis Albanae, chief Vestal Virgin of the Alban arx (citadel). Caecilia Philete, a senior virgin (virgo maior) of Laurentum – Lavinium, as commemorated by her father, Q. Caecilius Papion. The title maior means at Lavinium the Vestals were only two. Saufeia Alexandria, virgo Vestalis Tiburtium.
What are the important elements of Vestal costume?
The important elements of the Vestal costume include the stola and the vittae. These two items are closely related to the traditional attire of Roman brides and the Roman matron, and therefore are not unique to the Vestals.
Who was the chief Vestal?
The chief Vestal ( Virgo Vestalis Maxima or Vestalium Maxima, “greatest of the Vestals”) oversaw the efforts of the Vestals, and was present in the College of Pontiffs. The Vestalis Maxima Occia presided over the Vestals for 57 years, according to Tacitus. The Vestalium Maxima was the most important of Rome’s high priestesses.
Who were the Maior Vestals?
The title maior means at Lavinium the Vestals were only two. Saufeia Alexandria, virgo Vestalis Tiburtium. Cossinia L (ucii) f (iliae), a Virgo Vestalis of Tibur (Tivoli). Primigenia, Alban vestal of Bovillae, mentioned by Symmachus in two of his letters.
What was the role of the Vestal Virgin?
Vestal Virgin. In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins (Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals and its well-being were regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. They cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out.