Vestals

At Bovillae were located the Alban Vestals (Albanae Longanae Bovillenses), supposed to be continuing the Alban Vestals.

Vestals frequently adopted daughters, usually other vestals, to care for them in their old age.

But vestals, hierodules, certain palace officials and slaves had no rights over their children and could raise no objection.

Lavinium had the Vestals of the Laurentes Lavinates.

Stephen leads the editor and others to a pub, relating an anecdote on the way about 'two Dublin vestals'.

The sacral function of fire is reflected by the peculiar relationship of the Vestals with the rex whom they ritually apostrophated once a year with the phrase: "Vigilasne rex?

This connection between the sacred fire, Earth and life on it is also the reason why the Vestals guilty of unchastity were condemned to be buried alive, an expiation conceived to be a token of their belonging to Earth and of reparation towards it.

Tibur too had his own vestals who are attested epigraphically.