Why did their mother originally become a Vestal Virgin?

To further secure his place as sole ruler, he also killed Numito’s sons, the only competition to his throne. Out of respect for his brother, Amulius left Numito’s daughter, Rhea Silvia, alive. To ensure that she would never produce any heirs to his throne he ordered her to become a Vestal Virgin.

How many vestal virgins were executed?

four Vestal Virgins
In the late first century, Domitian executed four Vestal Virgins, Varronilla and the two Oculata sisters around 81/82 and the virgo maxima Cornelia around 91.

Do Vestal Virgins still exist?

Vestal virgins were chosen from highborn families and were granted privileges that would have been unimaginable for other women in Ancient Rome. But despite the powers and privileges granted to the Vestal Virgins, they were still living in a patriarchal society that controlled all aspects of their lives.

Can Vestal Virgins marry?

Chosen between the ages of 6 and 10 by the pontifex maximus (“chief priest”), Vestal Virgins served for 30 years, during which time they had to remain virgins. Afterward they could marry, but few did.

What did Vestal Virgins eat?

If the flame went out, the vestal(s) who were in charge of it would be killed. This meant that they couldn’t eat any- thing that had been baked; they ate mostly fruits and vegetables and Aliter Dulcia, which was dough fried in olive oil. They could eat no meat.

How did Rhea Silvia get pregnant?

As Vestal Virgins were sworn to celibacy, this would ensure the line of Numitor had no heirs. Rhea, however, became pregnant with the twins Romulus and Remus by the god Mars. According to Plutarch, she believed this because she saw her children being cared for by a wood pecker and a wolf – animals sacred to Mars.

Who did Rhea Silvia fall in love with?

She was a 14th generation descendant of Aeneas in the direct male line. Numitor’s brother, Amulius, stole the throne from Numitor and killed Rhea Silvia’s brother. He forced her to become a Vestal Virgin and take a vow of celibacy. Mars, the god of war, was attracted to Rhea Silvia.

How did Rhea Silvia fall pregnant?

The mother of Romulus, Rhea Silvia, who is discussed in chapter two, was a Vestal Virgin at Alba Longa. She was raped by Mars and became pregnant with Romulus and Remus.

How did Rhea Silvia try to save her son?

But the god Mars seduced Rhea Silvia and she had the twins Romulus and Remus. For Vestals, the punishment for having sex was death. Her sons were thrown into the Tiber by a servant, but were saved by the river god Tiberinus, who also saved Rhea Silvia and later married her.