View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/who-were-the-vestal-virgins-and-what-was-their-job-peta-greenfield 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. Lesson by Peta Greenfield, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.