Roman State Religion and the Vestal Virgins

509 BCE–394 CE

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.

Related people for Roman State Religion and the Vestal Virgins

Catilinec. 108–62 BCE Julius Caesar101 BCE–45 BCE Publius Clodius Pulcherc. 90s BCE–53 BCE Sullac. 138–78 BCE Vespasian9–79

Books

2 Best Novels About Roman State Religion and the Vestal Virgins

One Virgin Too Many

by Lindsey Davis

First published 1999 · Marcus Didius Falco · 4.1(3,262)

The House of the Vestals

by Steven Saylor

First published 1997 · Roma Sub Rosa · 4.1(4,144)