page_title: Vestal Virgin
section_title: Imperial Vestals
hierarchical_section_title: Vestal Virgin / List of Vestals / Imperial Vestals
caption_attribution_description: English: Statue of Vestal
context_page_description: In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. These individuals cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children and took a 30-year vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals that were forbidden to the colleges of male priests.
context_section_description: Junia Torquata (1st-century), vestal under Tiberius, sister of Gaius Junius Silanus.
  Rubria (1st-century), said by Suetonius to have been raped by Nero.
  Aquilia Severa (3rd century), whom Emperor Elagabalus married amid considerable scandal.
  Clodia Laeta (3rd century).
  Flavia Publicia (mid-3rd century).
  Coelia Concordia (4th century), the last head of the order.
caption: Statue of Flavia Publicia in the House of the Vestals
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