stone statue inside the palatine hill in the space of the sacerdotal order of the vestias, rome, italy

priestly order vestals dates back romulus numa 8th 7th centuries bc priestesses young aristocratic virgins chosen pontifex maximus ages 10 service priestess lasted years brought wealth privilege required chastity observation rituals alight public fire burned temple vesta looked sacred objects celebrated annual festivals occasions prepared mola salsa mixture flour salt sprinkled sacrificial victims