When the Ancients Make Your Trip Memorable

 

Visiting the Vestal Atrium in Rome

My husband and I were quite fortunate to have an archeology major who was our tour guide in Rome. She was a wealth of information and was eager to answer any questions we had, especially from me as I've always been so interested in ancient Roman history and legends, especially the ones that included the Vestal Virgins. I had read about this highly-revered cult of women before our trip and was eager to see anything related to them.  But I was not prepared to experience a most Supernatural event while our trip to Pompeii the following day.

I pay tribute to the Sisters in the final piece here.

The Vestals

The Vestals were the most influential women in Rome at the time of King Pompilius back in the 7th century.  They were the priestesses of the goddess Vesta. Their main purpose was to keep the eternal flame lit in her sacred temple. It ensured the safety of the city, as well as security and prosperity in the hearth and homes of families. 

Vestals were chosen at the young age of six and seven and would take a vow of celibacy for thirty years to serve. After that time they would be free to leave and marry. They received money from the public treasury and even had a high priest, the Pontifex Maximus who was appointed to watch over them. They were highly-revered by the Roman people. They did have exclusive privileges, however. Those being able to own property, attend public games, and even had special seating at important events. I guess it was like having a Loge seat at a Dodgers game today.

Dedication to the order did have its drawbacks. Should a Vestal break her vow of chastity or relent on her duties she would be whipped by a high priest, stoned, or buried alive. A few did however end up with the latter.

The cult ended in 391 A.D. when Emperor Theodosius came to power and claimed them to be a pagan cult. 

A Tribute

She was tempted to touch the ancient sacred pedestal in the house of the Vestals in Pompeii. 

It seemed as though it called to her.

Other tourists milled about taking a quick glance and then moving on to the next ruin.

The moment she placed her hand on the top of the weather-beaten pedestal the electric shock came and it ran from her fingertips all the way up through her arm.

She knew exactly what it was and reveled in the fact that she had made contact.

It would stay with her for the rest of her life while in this realm.

And with that said, she had to write the story her Sisters wanted her to tell.

The Last Vestal Virgin

I ended up writing this novel the same year I returned from my trip. It is indeed a fictional tale but the account mentioned about is true.

Click on the link to read this thrilling YA novel.

The Last Vestal Virgin