The Vestal Virgins
The Ancients6 Syys 2020

The Vestal Virgins

Priestesses of Vesta, Goddess of hearth, home and family, the College of Vestal Virgins were Rome’s only full-time priesthood. They numbered only six and were selected from noble Roman families at an early age, between six and 10 years old. They would tend the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta and remain virgins for the duration of their tenure, which would stretch long into womanhood, lasting at least 30 years. Their importance to Rome was paramount and throughout this ancient civilisation's pagan history, the Vestal Virgins remained right at the heart of Roman society. But things were not always plain sailing for the Vestals during their 1,000 year history... I was delighted to be joined by a leading light on this subject Peta Greenfield to talk through the history of the Vestals. From the importance of fire and water for the cult to the infamous Vestal punishment of 'incestum' Peta explained the history behind all in this brilliant chat.


Quick note:


Octavia was Octavian / Augustus' sister.

Livia was Augustus' wife.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jaksot(594)

Old Testament Warriors

Old Testament Warriors

It’s probably the most famous book in the world, and it’s also essentially the only literary source which covers the genesis of warfare and the nation state. Simon Elliott is an archaeologist, histori...

6 Joulu 202049min

Spartacus: Life or Legend?

Spartacus: Life or Legend?

‘I’m Spartacus!’ In the field of epic film making, the 1960 historical drama ‘Spartacus’, is legendary. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, adapted from the Howard Fast novel by Red Scare blacklisted screenw...

3 Joulu 202047min

Dura-Europos: The Syrian Pompeii

Dura-Europos: The Syrian Pompeii

When we think of Pompeii, we remember the city which became frozen in time after a natural catastrophe. Well, in 1920, exactly 100 years ago, another 'frozen city' was rediscovered. This time it was D...

29 Marras 202049min

Pompeii and the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii and the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii is back in the news. An extraordinary new, touching discovery, found during the Great Pompeii Project of Professor Massimo Osanna and his team. Roughly 700 metres northwest of Pompeii, in the ...

26 Marras 202051min

Linothorax: Kevlar of the Ancients

Linothorax: Kevlar of the Ancients

The House of the Faun in Pompeii is known for being one of the largest and most impressive private residences in the ancient city. Among its many works of art is a depiction of Alexander the Great in ...

22 Marras 202048min

Volcanic Vineyards of Pompeii

Volcanic Vineyards of Pompeii

An ancient town, buried and preserved beneath volcanic ash, Pompeii is a gift to archaeologists and historians seeking to find out more about the lives of the civilians in a regular Roman town. Beyond...

19 Marras 202035min

Terror in the Teutoburg Forest

Terror in the Teutoburg Forest

Its been used for nationalist propaganda across the ages and its just been dramatised for Netflix, but what do we actually know about the Battle of Teutoburg Forest? For a start, where was it? Dr Joan...

15 Marras 202048min

Agrippa and Augustus: The Golden Age

Agrippa and Augustus: The Golden Age

The Romans, an ancient conquering civilisation with an empire that spread from Europe across the Balkans to the Middle East and North Africa. For this episode, we are returning to our study of one of ...

12 Marras 20201h 7min

Suosittua kategoriassa Historia

olipa-kerran-otsikko
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
mayday-fi
huijarit
mystista
tsunami
konginkangas
totuus-vai-salaliitto
rss-ikiuni
rouva-diktaattori
rss-subjektiivinen-todistaja
rss-i-dont-like-mondays-2
rss-peter-peter
sotaa-ja-historiaa-podi
rss-kirkon-ihmeellisimmat-tarinat
rss-iltanuotiolla
maailmanpuu
rss-outoja-uutisia-pohjois-suomesta
rss-sattuu-sita-suomessakin
rss-antiikki-nyt