Posted by Shazarch on 18 Mar 2021

Temple of Vesta and House of the Vestal Virgins

Late 2nd century AD, Roman Forum

Religious site / Temple

The Temple of Vesta, integral to the monumental complex venerating the goddess Vesta, dates back to the era of the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius. This temple, central to a very ancient cult, experienced multiple reconstructions due to fires and was ultimately restored in its current form by Empress Julia Domna towards the end of the second century AD. The temple's architecture features a circular marble-clad podium of Roman concrete, from which Corinthian columns ascended. Its interior contained a brazier with an eternal flame, representing Rome's perpetual existence and imperial destiny. The temple's circular design may have been influenced by the archaic era's huts, complete with a central opening in the conical roof for smoke. The Palladium, a representation of Athena-Minerva, was also housed within the temple, symbolizing the nobility of Roman lineage and allegedly brought to Rome by Aeneas. Adjacent to the temple stood the residence of the Vestal Virgins, Rome's sole female priesthood, dedicated to maintaining the sacred fire. These six priestesses, selected from patrician families, were committed to thirty years of service under the vow of chastity, with severe penalties for noncompliance. In exchange, they were afforded numerous privileges, including the right to travel by cart within the city and reserved seating at public events. The House of the Vestal Virgins, or Atrium Vestae, featured a shrine likely intended for the goddess's statue. The complex was organized around a courtyard, flanked by a two-story portico adorned with statues of the chief Vestals. The garden's design included three basins and multi-level rooms, among which a mill and an oven were identifiable. The upper stories, presumably private quarters, were equipped with baths and heating systems, and an additional level may have accommodated service staff. These structures, with origins in the Republican era, underwent several renovations and expansions up to the time of Emperor Constantine (306-337 AD).