garden, stage and fountain inside the palatine hill in the space of the priestly order, rome, italy

garden stage fountain inside palatine hill space priestly order rome italy vestals dates back romulus numa 8th 7th centuries priestesses had young aristocratic virgins were chosen pontifex maximus ages their service priestess lasted years brought them wealth privilege also required chastity observation rituals kept alight public fire burned temple vesta looked sacred objects celebrated annual festivals occasions prepared mola salsa mixture flour salt which was sprinkled sacrificial victims