Rome - Vestal Virgins - Duties, Rewards, Punishments

Question 1

What was one of the Vestals most important roles?

Answer 1

Protecting the sacred flame for the safety of the state, which was housed in the Temple of Vesta

Question 2

Where was the flame believed to have been brought from?

Answer 2

The ashes of Troy to Rome by the Roman hero Aeneas

Question 3

What did people believe would happen if the flame went out?

Answer 3

Rome would fall

Question 4

What did this temple also hold?

Answer 4

Important state documents , such as treaties and the wills of leading Romans

Question 5

What did they do with the mola salsa?

Answer 5

They sprinkled it in the heads of the sacrificial animals in state sacrifices

Question 6

How did the Romans honour the Vestal Virgins?

Answer 6

With several privileges - house and allowed front row seats at games

Question 7

What were the Vestals freed from?

Answer 7

Their fathers authority, and were able to make a will

Question 8

What happened to the Vestals if the flame went out?

Answer 8

They were whipped

Question 9

What happened to the Vestals if they broke their vow of chastity?

Answer 9

They were buried alive and the male responsible was whipped to death