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TED-Ed

Who were the Vestal Virgins, and what was their job? - Peta Greenfield

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In ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins were tasked with keeping vigil over the flame of Vesta, the virgin goddess of the hearth. The flame represented two things: the continuation of Rome as a power in the world and the continuing virginity of Vesta’s priestesses. But what was life really like for these Vestal Virgins? Peta Greenfield goes back in time to find out.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


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Meet The Creators

Educator
Peta Greenfield
Director
Tolga Yıldız, Serin İnan, Kozmonot Animation Studio
Art Director
Tolga Yıldız
Producer
Serin İnan
Illustrator
Pelin Maravent
Character Designer
Pelin Maravent
Animator
Tuncay Çetin
Content Producer
Gerta Xhelo
Sound Designer
Stephen Eugene Larosa
Composer
Stephen Eugene Larosa
Associate Producer
Jessica Ruby
Editorial Producer
Alex Rosenthal
Narrator
Susan Zimmerman

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