Who built it?
Numa Pompilius
When?
7th century BCE. It is based on Greek architecture.
What was its purpose?
The Temple of Vesta was created in honour of the Vestal Virgins, who made a vow to a lifetime of celibacy. The Temple was never dedicated so was not a true temple. It did not contain a cult statue of the goddess, Vesta. It housed the statue Palladium, a statue of Athena. In Rome Athena was known as Minerva. The Vestal Virgins lived in a residence that was close to the temple. The residence was called the Altrium Vestae.
Describe/identify its main features
The temple's most recognisable feature is its circular footprint. Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of its history. The extant temple used Greek architecture with Corinthian columns, marble, and a central cella. The remaining structure indicates that there were twenty Corinthian columns built on a podium fifteen meters in diameter. The roof probably had a vent at the apex to allow smoke release.
Primary source that describes how it was used/who used it
Plutarch, who was an ancient Greek historian, wrote about the life of the vestal virgins within the temple:
"Some are of the opinion that these vestals had no other business than the preservation fire, but others conceive that they were keepers of other divine secrets, concealed from all but themselves."- Plutarch (45-120 CE)
Task #6
1. What were the duties of the Vestal Virgins? How many were there?
2. What was the punishment for a Vestal Virgin who broke her vow?
3. What year was the temple completely demolished?
4. What other features surrounded the temple?
Numa Pompilius
When?
7th century BCE. It is based on Greek architecture.
What was its purpose?
The Temple of Vesta was created in honour of the Vestal Virgins, who made a vow to a lifetime of celibacy. The Temple was never dedicated so was not a true temple. It did not contain a cult statue of the goddess, Vesta. It housed the statue Palladium, a statue of Athena. In Rome Athena was known as Minerva. The Vestal Virgins lived in a residence that was close to the temple. The residence was called the Altrium Vestae.
Describe/identify its main features
The temple's most recognisable feature is its circular footprint. Since the worship of Vesta began in private homes, the architecture seems to be a reminder of its history. The extant temple used Greek architecture with Corinthian columns, marble, and a central cella. The remaining structure indicates that there were twenty Corinthian columns built on a podium fifteen meters in diameter. The roof probably had a vent at the apex to allow smoke release.
Primary source that describes how it was used/who used it
Plutarch, who was an ancient Greek historian, wrote about the life of the vestal virgins within the temple:
"Some are of the opinion that these vestals had no other business than the preservation fire, but others conceive that they were keepers of other divine secrets, concealed from all but themselves."- Plutarch (45-120 CE)
Task #6
1. What were the duties of the Vestal Virgins? How many were there?
2. What was the punishment for a Vestal Virgin who broke her vow?
3. What year was the temple completely demolished?
4. What other features surrounded the temple?