Who were the Vestal Virgins, and what was their job? - Peta Greenfield
Who were the Vestal Virgins, and what was their job? - Peta Greenfield with tags ted, ted-ed, ted education, ted ed, peta greenfield, kozmonot animation studio, rome, vestal virgin, vestals, vesta, licinia, priestess, live burial, flame, fire, ritual purity, castitas, incestum
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/who-were-the-vestal-virgins-and-what-was-their-job-peta-greenfieldIn 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 Vestas priestesses. But what was life really like for these Vestal Virgins? Peta Greenfield goes back in time to find out. Lesson by Peta Greenfield, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.
