VESTAL VIRGINS
In ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins were priestesses who dedicated themselves to serving Vesta, the Goddess of the Earth.
The Vestals entered training at between 6 to 10 years old.
The period of training took ten years.
They then remained in full service for 10 years.
During this time they tended the sacred fire on the altar of Vesta, carried water from the fountain, and and served as custodians of the Palladium from Troy.
Aftre this the Vestals spent another 10 years in training the vestal students.
Only after this were they free to renounce their vow of celibacy and marry.
The Vestal Virgins were held in very high esteem in Rome.
It is believed the first Vestal Virgins were selected by Aeneas.