Temple of Vesta

A small round temple in the Forum where the sacred fire of Rome was kept burning continuously by the Vestal Virgins for over 1,000 years — extinguished only in 394 AD by Emperor Theodosius. The Vestals were six elite priestesses who took 30-year vows of chastity; they enjoyed unique legal privileges, but the punishment for breaking their vow was being buried alive. The adjacent House of the Vestal Virgins, with its serene reflecting pools and statue gallery, is one of the loveliest spots in the Forum.