ROME

• What type of gods did the Romans worship?

  A pantheon of gods
• How did the roles of women in Roman religion differ from those in Greece?

  Women had significantly different roles in Rome
• Who held the majority of priesthoods in Rome?

  Men
• Why were women excluded from most priesthood colleges in Rome?

  Because priesthoods were highly political
• What was one of the most important female religious roles in Rome?

  Vestal Virgin
• What was the main responsibility of the Vestal Virgins?

  To tend to the ceremonial fire
• How many Vestal Virgins were there in Rome at one time?

  Six
• What was the significance of the ceremonial fire tended by the Vestal Virgins?

  It symbolized the hearth and center of Rome
• Who installed the college of Vestal Virgins?

  Numa, the second king of Rome
• What were the consequences of failing to tend the sacred fire?

  Severe punishments, including death
• What does the punishment for a Vestal Virgin reflect about Roman society?

  It reflects the importance of chastity
• What privileges did Vestal Virgins enjoy?

  They were free from a paterfamilias
• What was the role of the Flaminica Dialis?

  She was the priestess of Jupiter
• What was required for a woman to become the Flaminica Dialis?

  She had to marry the Flamen Dialis
• What was the punishment for a Vestal Virgin found unchaste?

  Death by starvation or dehydration
• What was the significance of pudicitia in Roman society?

  It represented feminine sexual modesty
• How did the cult of Patricia Pudicitia empower women?

  It allowed public worship and visibility
• What was the typical pose of a pudicitia statue?

  Standing with a hand near her face
• What was the role of matronae in the cult of Patricia Pudicitia?

  Only univirae could participate in sacrifices
• How did the statue of pudicitia reflect Roman ideals of women?

  It conveyed modesty and restraint
• Where was the House of the Vestal Virgins located?

  Next to the Temple of Vesta
• What does the design of the House of the Vestal Virgins indicate?

  It reflects the power and status of Vestals
• What was the architectural style of the House of the Vestal Virgins?

  A fifty-room, three-storey complex
• What was the significance of the location of the House of the Vestal Virgins?

  It was in the civic heart of Rome
• How did the Vestal Virgins' privileges contrast with other Roman women?

  They had more independence and rights
• What was the role of the Pontifex Maximus in the selection of Vestal Virgins?

  He led the chosen girl to the Temple of Vesta
• What age range was required for girls to be eligible to become Vestal Virgins?

  Between six and ten years old
• What does the selection process for Vestal Virgins reveal about Roman society?

  It shows the importance of purity and lineage
• What was the significance of the cult of Patricia Pudicitia?

  It personified feminine virtue
• How did the cult of Patricia Pudicitia allow women to express their power?

  By participating in public worship
• What does the story of Claudia Quinta illustrate about Roman beliefs?

  Chaste women's prayers were powerful
• What was the role of the Flaminica Dialis in relation to her husband?


  She attended festivals alongside him
• What was the requirement for the Flaminica Dialis regarding her marriage?

  She had to be a virgin at marriage
• How did the duties of the Flaminica Dialis reflect Roman values?

  They emphasized religious devotion and purity
• What was the punishment for a Vestal Virgin who let the sacred fire go out?

  Beaten by the Pontifex Maximus
• What does the story of Aemilia illustrate about the consequences for Vestal Virgins?

  It shows the severe penalties for negligence
• How did the punishment of a Vestal Virgin reflect societal values?

  It highlighted the importance of chastity
• What was the role of the Vestal Virgins in public festivals?

  They attended certain public festivals
• What was the significance of the House of the Vestal Virgins' location?

  It was in the civic heart of Rome
• How did the architectural features of the House of the Vestal Virgins reflect their status?

  It was a large, palatial residence