In
ancient Rome, the
Vestals or
Vestal Virgins (
Vestales, singular
Vestalis) were priestesses of
Vesta,
goddess of the
hearth. The
College of the Vestals and its well-being was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of
Rome. They cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. The Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children, and took a vow of
chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals that were off-limits to the male colleges of priests.