Roman State Religion and the Vestal Virgins

Priestly colleges maintained rites believed to protect Rome and legitimise government. Membership brought prestige, obligations and access to institutions that mixed religion with family influence.

The Vestal Virgins served for thirty years, maintained the sacred fire and enjoyed legal privileges unusual for Roman women. Selection and discipline were matters of public concern.

One Virgin Too Many places Falco inside disputes among sacred offices when murder and the disappearance of a possible Vestal candidate threaten a wider cover-up.