Travel back to Ancient Rome to find out what life was like for the Vestal Virgins, the priestesses who kept vigil over the flame of Vesta.

In ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins were tasked with keeping vigil over the flame of Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth. The flame represented two things: the continuation of Rome as a power in the world and the continuing virginity of Vesta’s priestesses. But what was life really like for these Vestal Virgins? Peta Greenfield goes back in time to find out.

Content produced by: TED Ed