women in roman religion

Private and Public Acts

Personalized household altars and sacrifices, alongside airay temples and cults within the city.

Household Shrines

The responsibility for maintaining these shrines fell primarily on women.

Engagement in Public Religion

Women participated in public aspects of religion such as attending festivals and joining female-only cults.

Major Life Passages

Religious practices marked significant events like puberty.

Vestal Virgins

The only full-time priesthood in ancient Rome, consisting of 6 women dedicated to goddess Vesta.

Pontifex Maximus

The chief high priest of Rome who selected the Vestal Virgins.

Goddess Vesta

Goddess of the hearth, whose eternal sacred fire the Vestal Virgins maintained.

Sacred Fire

Maintained by the Vestal Virgins, it symbolized Rome's safety and success.

Vow of Chastity

Vestal Virgins took a 30-year vow, facing severe punishment for any breakage.

Vestalia

Annual festival celebrated by the Vestal Virgins.

Influence of Vestal Virgins

Grew over time, earning invitations to major religious ceremonies and festivals.

Supernatural Powers

Vestal Virgins were rumored to possess these due to their sacred status.

State Pensions

Awarded to Vestal Virgins upon completion of their service.

Marriage Post-Service

Vestal Virgins were allowed to marry after completing their vows.