Svatý oheň
The Holy Fire

Summary/Abstract: This article looks at two closely related issues, namely the problem of discrimination against women in Ancient Rome and their exclusion from religious life. Using the example of the priestesses of the goddess Vesta, it shows that such claims are not absolute. In connection with this, attention is given to several hitherto not particularly clear legal aspects of these priestesses. These include not only the question of their culpability regarding the extinguishing of the flame in the temple of Vesta, but also the nomen iuris of loss of virginity, the formation of this priestly college, the number of priestesses it contained and the eligibility of the Vestal Virgins under the line of succession.

• Details
• Contents