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

Travel back to Ancient Rome to find out what life was like for the Vestal Virgins, the priestesses who kept vigil over the flame of Vesta.
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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.
Lesson by Peta Greenfield, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.
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[@benjaminvo1872]

This takes "You had one job" to a whole other level

[@madoxagatha2834]

Lmao

[@SuzieQ90]

😂😂😂

[@08_enavale59]

Benjamin Vo never thought that i would ever be a thousandth like in a comment ever

[@neutralpie420]

Lmao 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@user-gm6ho9sq2v]

This takes copying comments to a whole other level

[@sor3999]

Is it just me or is literally everything in the ancient world was punishable by death.

[@amritkar256]

Yeah, what's up with that? There's literally no other punishment.

[@giuliab8484]

True, it’s not even the last option

[@EdDueim]

Mutilation was an option.

[@Kanelle88]

Humans by nature are rather morbid, it's very likely that we remember the truly messed up parts of history much more often and the boring or good things are forgotten over time.

[@hungvu262]

well there was also humiliation and exile

[@lemon-vy3mj]

“Imagine dying just because a flame went out”

[@rujulmanjarley5911]

i mean i always imagine thats how i am gonna die, there is this flame thats keeping me alive, one day someone or something will for the lol blow it out

[@GrammeStudio]

imagine being the most civilized & technologically advanced society & executing one of your own for something that is as likely to happen as raining--a flame dying out, something that's bound to happen. it's like deciding whether someone is guilty or not by the flip of a coin. if it's head or tail, you're guilty. if it lands on its circumference you're innocent. says a lot about humanity that even the smartest man is not invulnerable to fallacies.

[@guifdcanalli]

people living in glacial climates with no eletricity: *Yeah about that*

[@rujulmanjarley5911]

@@GrammeStudio is that not what exactly happens always in a very very advanced society ?

[@tzyijiang9884]

Superstition still run the life of many people.

[@pakhus9207]

imagine starving to death with no light, no water, no air, no way out. Just because a random person labelled you "impure"

[@fuzya8636]

You'd probably suffocate first, not starve

[@priscillawilson2634]

@Smileyrie James Either way, you'd fall asleep without feeling anything and just never wake up. Not really a bad way to go, physically.

[@googleuser2874]

@@priscillawilson2634 Starving is not just falling asleep, neither is suffocating.

[@nouraattia452]

You mean thing

[@randomperson3051]

Tf who did i called impure >:(((

[@Burner999]

15 yrs olds: I was born in the wrong generation Ancient romans: am i a joke to you

[@delancey3181]

Knom Knom um nope “it was the best of times it was the worst of times” -Charles dickens TRUE ABOUT ANY AND EVERY TIME PERIOD. Even today

[@Crazy123Flame]

@@delancey3181 no.

[@benjaminwilson1804]

@@delancey3181 what?

[@missmystery745]

@@Crazy123Flame द

[@missmystery745]

. न?🚷

[@Angel-vb7bb]

All this for a fire.

[@goodgirlkay]

Strawberry Pup The fire represented Rome. It was about nationalism.

[@grayblackhelm9761]

The fire was what connected Vesta to the Land. Vesta was considered Rome, and to lose Vesta meant that Rome would die. Literally, it was thought that the very stones would crumble to dust within months of Vesta didn’t upkeep the “Life”- the “Soul” of Rome. Yeah. All this for a fire that ensured a safe place for mothers to give birth.

[@marcellabutay1090]

All for a goddess

[@leahalexander6847]

Strawberry Pupper 😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Faysus]

then it rained

[@carolinegcooke]

When the video ended, I legit went “THAT’S IT!?” 😂 The ending is so depressing

[@Tabby_CatMeow]

OKAY WAT

[@queenfeena5726]

Ikr like what? Is this still happening today? Have they been liberated? Like wtf 😂

[@countzugu5417]

I came here for this comment … so depressing, I need closure.

[@anamikaojha2645]

Same I was thinking🤔

[@kittypeanut4102]

Yes... Poor girls :(

[@999khare]

Vestal virgins were very important at that time and they had very strong social and political hold. Societies find ways to take revenge from such people. It could be politically motivated as well.

[@bookwyrm3172]

Well, that pretty much sums up much of history. Many of the women who were punished for being a "witch" or "impure" have been so for that reason. Joan of Arc, anyone.

[@piyalichhajed6009]

Thats so cruel

[@captainalvy6591]

Yeah

[@user-bw8yn3zr1s]

@@bookwyrm3172 patriarchy.

[@tsewangd6197]

@@bookwyrm3172 no

[@AyeshaKhan-uh2gz]

glad that I am born in 21st century

[@Der.Geschichtenerzahler]

aashi khan Twenty-first century is as dangerous and crazy as that time, though differently

[@AyeshaKhan-uh2gz]

Elton Freitas right? but somehow this time I still better th a that of the past...I believe.

[@Der.Geschichtenerzahler]

Humankind is not progressing, it's just destroying itself.

[@kayo5011]

Elton Freitas I agree with that

[@notyournamenotyourlastname3881]

your also not dying from the common cold at age 10

[@FrostFireTiger]

I'm always curious how these types of rituals get started. At the very beginning someone had to start the fire, proclaim its importance, and set the practice of the virgins to maintain it.

[@youcansoften]

Yamil Diaz this a good comment !

[@10verNothin]

Greeks. Hestia's fire is the most important fire for a Greek city-state. I think that's what the Romans want to get at: The are the "Greek Legacy" but better

[@umar11ism]

dillusional fucks in every corner of the earth

[@mathetesolei7961]

Simple, really. Fire means warmth and cooking, fire means vigour, fire means purity. Ancient people didn't make a clear difference between metaphorical meaning and literal meaning. Thus the goddess Vesta, who protected Rome, was represented by her sacred fire.

[@heretocallyououtonyourbull7499]

Yamil Diaz religion

[@jol579]

that one guy saying that one of the virgins were the one, is like that one player in among saying a random color and everyone be like "ok"

[@anosjc]

Been there

[@T2G-DJT]

IMPOSTOR!!!! RED SUS!!!! AMOGUS

[@captainalvy6591]

Sus

[@lovelylipbonesouwwwwwwwolv2198]

Ikr

[@clumsycucumber1666]

😂 how come he knows she's the one that means.... He....

[@badonkadonkeater]

“Impure” literally spells “I’m Pure,” SOOOOOOOOO

[@Jobe-13]

How ironic

[@shirazummunira7863]

Wow......

[@andrearivera9128]

Case closed

[@arunimarana9125]

ha!

[@picklepie5127]

Big brain energy ya got there buddy

[@vishwas425]

This is some next level animation

[@alexandrapanzer508]

+

[@blacknovember1835]

Anyone knows any tutorials to make the same (or at least similar) type of animation here?

[@MenkIsAMubtadiiDeobandi]

Black November these are made by big teams of animators, each specialised in a type of animation. you could try to do an animation like that but it would take a lot of time. Best bet is to get enrolled in college for animating

[@Bsalais15]

What program are they using?

[@MenkIsAMubtadiiDeobandi]

depends, they use 3d modelling programs like cinema3d (costs a lot) but you can use blender (free), for 2d they prop use photoshop and adobe flash, hope i helped

[@tomasspace4819]

They ultimate you had one job punishment.

[@kimberlymunoz4422]

*The

[@tarantinopipp7455]

Tomáš Viktorin 😂😂

[@netnet_in_a_sweater9351]

Tomáš Viktorin * applause *

[@randomperson-qe4pw]

You had ONE JOB on steroids, to say the least

[@anthonynguyen7513]

2017th like

[@snigdhasarkar9687]

Guys, can we take a moment to appreciate how good the animation was!??

[@truthseeker1292]

Overused

[@killallchadspfpusers9158]

@@truthseeker1292 more like attention seeker

[@marcomarco7750]

No

[@XaVieR3AnToNio]

Uuzhhbbhbhbbbbbbbhhbhbhhhhhhhhhhbhhbhhhhbbhhhhhbbbbbbbb U U 4bbbbhhhbhbb4'？,,^,^（（_（！_______^,（（（（（^^^^＾

[@korb9664]

"Guys, can we take a moment to [insert whatever will give you the most likes]"

[@nehkuril4083]

"The romans believed that if the flame goes out, the city's in danger" Wooow! No, if the fire spreads😐😐👏👏👏

[@sluggfxxLuvydovex]

This one

[@falls7705]

This comment is so underrated

[@darshraatparsadhraj5583]

*Fire breaks out in the city* Vestal Virgins: This is fine. The fire is still lit. The city's safe.

[@goblin-teeth]

This is so upsetting. Someone should make a whole movie about a Vestal Virgin due to be sacrificed.

[@wateryourhouseplants3973]

I'm a writer. I could write a book, at least a story about it. It sounds like a really interesting topic to cover.

[@leemonroe6526]

Water Your Houseplants Please do.

[@saades4018]

The ancient god doesn't care what the modern neo-marxist man thinks.

[@anantambisht4895]

Water Your Houseplants yaa go for it

[@jesm5698]

Water Your Houseplants ⒾⓉ ⓌⓄⓊⓁⒹ ⓜⒶⓀⒺ Ⓐ ⒼⓇⒺⒶⓉ ⒷⓄⓄⓀ

[@siddhiraskar5464]

can't believe the animation is water color.. beautiful!!

[@alexandrapanzer508]

+

[@realbadform]

snapseed a I'm the 1k like!

[@siddhiraskar5464]

marguerite tries 👍: )

[@michaelk9907]

who said it was watercolor?

[@captainindigo]

It's not watercolor though, it says in the description that it was animated on computer using an animation program

[@henrycomputer1403]

I was expecting a history lesson but I'll settle for a tragic story

[@rujulmanjarley5911]

there is no difference between a tragic story and history

[@letsomethingshine]

@@rujulmanjarley5911 Other than that one is made-up and the other is too general.

[@rujulmanjarley5911]

@@letsomethingshine well all history when viewed from a set of perspectives is tragedy as well, although one can imagine tragic stories that are not historical as well, so tragic stories may be a super set to history, not exact equal sets though

[@vangu2918]

It is a history lesson, literally.

[@machirim2805]

If it’s any consolation, most Vestals served their terms without incident. A few were executed, but almost always it was likely due to scapegoating, since they were executed during extreme crises in Rome. Most of the accused Vestals were acquitted however. There was a reason why their testimony in courts were seen as sacred and immutable. Also, Vestals being limited to patricians (aristocrats) is something the video gets wrong. The daughter of anyone could become a Vestal, this included plebeians (commoners) and even freedmen. With such a high position of honor and great status in society, and even having bodyguards of their own (lictors), a poor family having a daughter become a Vestal would see their status go up. Also, marriage to former Vestals (when they retired) was seen as auspicious for her husband’s family as well as her own.

[@traintrainer1902]

Vestal virgins: were supposed to be pure Elagabalus: *marries one*

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

Ironic

[@shalakapatil1444]

Why purity is associated with being vergin

[@mayadilone1110]

@@shalakapatil1444 because people see virginity as your modesty and purity because ig its the no no zone idk

[@ezragilchrist9461]

Technically Vestal VIrgins were allowed to marry after their 30 year service

[@ghostlightplays]

And it was seen as an honour to marry a retired Vestal.

[@esmeraldagreen1992]

The vestal virgins were turned into nuns when the emperor Constantine adopted Christianity as the state religion.

[@BlitzOfTheReich]

Constantine didn't adopt Christianity as the state religion. He merely legalized it.

[@madenerg3555]

@@BlitzOfTheReich No your wrong Christianity parent died so It needed a guardian And the ruler adopted it and yay.

[@anthonyc4138]

@@madenerg3555 nope

[@madenerg3555]

@@anthonyc4138 yep it became is orphan

[@fabiolacuevas8912]

@@BlitzOfTheReich yeah they went through with the Edict of Milan, Theodosius made the Edict of Thessalonica which made Christianity the official language.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

The art and narrator seem nice but the reality of the situation is really messed up, especially when you think about how real people had to to though this.. :'-(

[@YeviCoulson]

Obi-Wan Kenobi pretty much obi the fire was there only hope HIGH GROUND

[@toshikosatoru8483]

I wonder how the virgins thought about god after being accused to death, would make an interesting story.

[@YeviCoulson]

Toshiko Satoru maybe theirs diary's in there tomb HIGH GROUND

[@like.clarkwork]

Obi-Wan Kenobi imagine this being normal now

[@senya6956]

You should have saved her. What is one more lovestruck damsel in the life of Obi-Wan Kenobi?

[@gypsylee73]

LOL Disney version of the Vestal Virgins. They were also very powerful and could override the legal system eg. If someone was being put to death they could stop it.

[@lunak1391]

Mhm They could free condemned prisoners and slaves by touching them - if a person who was sentenced to death saw a Vestal on his way to the execution, he was automatically pardoned

[@kekero540]

It’s almost like vestal Virgins weren’t prisoners but actually hugely important religious figures.

[@AstralMarmot]

And upon completing their service, they were granted the right to vote and to own land, which was denied to most women in Rome. I'm not even sure this ranks as high as a Disney version.... more like Don Bluth maybe.

[@rensselaer]

Just because someone is highly regarded doesn't erase the fact that their lifestyle was heavily coercive and repressed. Forcing anyone into a system is wrong.

[@rensselaer]

​@@AstralMarmot So do you deny that they were heavily restricted?

[@heathen2487]

"That her face, at first just ghostly Turned a whiter shade of pale."

[@erakaranwal6727]

Woah

[@madamedemontmorency3811]

When I saw the title "vestal virgins", I immediately thought of A Whiter Shade Of Pale.

[@parishmitasaikia1564]

I love the way Ted-Ed presents the cases. I would really love to see more of such representation of lives and rituals of the past.

[@penny4urthots125]

300th like! :D I really do want something like this to happen more in Ted Ed history videos.

[@lucky7s927]

This presentation is very low IQ with a modern feminine agenda - it ignores much of the true history or facts in place of "wow could you imagine this" with cute animations to distract your childlike mind from the real questions.

[@puneetmishra4726]

@@lucky7s927 ok, so what is the true history?

[@AkashKumar-iq8wg]

Ted ed please always be like this. don't ever change. I love every bit of you

[@chronikhiles]

ALPHA Then you shouldn't mention it in the first place.

[@vinaymane5538]

ALPHA kurzgesagst makes video once a month Ted makes once a week.quality>quantity.

[@gustialt]

methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus lol so funny

[@MrChupacabradude]

methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus i like both tbh

[@Xx_BoogieBomber_xX]

+ALPHA why not both?

[@rubalguleria4890]

What exactly did they do to prove she is guilty, when they said "she was tried and found guilty"?

[@shreyasrao3518]

I REALLY don't want to think about this.

[@bobvancevancerefrigeration844]

Most likely the person that blamed her came up with lies

[@rubalguleria4890]

@@bobvancevancerefrigeration844 Well maybe the flame went off by accident, and someone needed to be blamed and it went onto her as no one else could be blamed..

[@beezinfed254]

@@bobvancevancerefrigeration844 that and probably bribed testimonys

[@delorgesjunior2235]

This is a fictional story. The vestal virgins did exist but not this story. I seems that only about 10 virgins were condemned in all of Rome's history for apparently real crimes. Though they were in a position of social prestige, so there might have been politics involved

[@shalinisingh2014]

After watching these things, I'm truly blessed to be born in this generation.

[@darkqueen9134]

Can this be series or something? I'd love to learn more about ancient Rome.

[@marijnschell8301]

Check out the amazing podcast series: History of Rome (thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/the_history_of_rome/archives.html) or (a bit shorter) Dan Carlins: www.dancarlin.com/product/hardcore-history-death-throes-of-the-republic-series/

[@Flairytale]

thats exactly what I was thinking! i would love to make a series based on this

[@matthewtink6889]

itsCatwomanB1tch Selina look at the channel History Civilus

[@genesis9574]

CreativeWonder Yes, a series based on this would be great

[@romantaryanik3497]

Welcome to my Empire

[@harrisonshone7769]

I wonder if they ever re-used the burial rooms or if they just had to keep building new ones.

[@emmagrace1812]

Harrison Shone New ones, I do believe. The reason they were left with food and water was because killing them was illegal, but leaving them in a tomb with food took away the blame for their murder.

[@nnd1164]

It happened only once in 482BC

[@Vlad-1986]

Despite what this video shows that happening was super rare. In all Roman history, which spans nearly 1000 years there are just a couple of Vestal executions, and that usually followed by scandal and turmoil. I can only remember 2 cases in top of my head.

[@GFSLombardo]

One can imagine the room was "re-cycled" after they dsposed of the body. But it really was such a rare occurence it was probably not much of a bother. Death was so common in those days-no big deal.

[@lisilein2]

I think you're mostly reading too much into the story yourself.

[@CherriesJubilee]

There is so much in error about this video. In the nearly 1000 years that the Vestals served, there was only a handful who were condemned. More importantly, the Vestals were revered by the Roman public, were the only women not governed by a man, were the only Roman women who could own property in their own right, and make a will. They lived in near royal luxury paid for by the state and were they stored the wills and legacies of the elite, including the Emperor Augustus. The priestess Licinia, in fact, was accused of impiety (having an affair) with Crassis, which put both of them at risk. The famous orator Cicero was their lawyer and they were both acquitted. Presumably, the person who accused them was given their punishment as that was how things were done in those days. After 30 years they were free to marry, though most didn't as they wanted to maintain the freedoms they had enjoyed as priestesses. This video plays on the most exploitative moments of a very long story.

[@loner1878]

Never said it was common for them to die like that.

[@SevenTheMisgiven]

@@loner1878 Heavily implied every Vestal felt terrible about her role and knew she could die at any moment.

[@jakemac8812]

Videos like this are so important for education because of how easy it is to learn from them. Thanks for the great video.

[@baso4nacl581]

oh my god very interesting and the animation is wonderful!🗻

[@alexandrapanzer508]

+

[@sirohartmann]

+

[@dIRECTOR259]

SJW nonsense. Lycinia, being a _Roman noblewoman_ and not a current-year women's studies major, _despises the memory_ of the accursed Vestal who dishonored herself and endangered Rome with her weakness. She has _no doubts whatsoever_ as to her guilt, since the sentence has been proclaimed by the leaders of her religion, and she has no reason to doubt them.

[@ragedgrunt]

communist

[@alonzosanchez7220]

how did this simple comment turn into "SJW nonsense" and "communist"

[@SumRandomAzn]

1:49 So they are real life firekeepers

[@bloodfiredrake7259]

yep.she's like poor ol shanalot

[@Michael-wh4my]

SumRandomAzn git gud

[@AjourChannel]

SumRandomAzn actually they remind me of those maids around fires in Profane Capital.

[@milascave2]

If it doesn't go out, no problem. If it does, a Virgin must die. But I don't think a stolen fire from the flame would have any particular power in their minds. (Again, I am speculating here.)

[@stardust4001]

SumRandomAzn ha

[@SharonLinfromTaiwan]

TED-Ed, you are a WONDER! Content like these are so precious. Please don't stop making these amazing videos! Thank you to all the people behind it! ✨❤️

[@brunobmrf]

1:05 Father and mother living No debility in tongue or diminished hearing No spots/signs in the body

[@calebschwarz6374]

Rhea Silvia, was one of the most famous Vestal Virgins. She became a priestess of the goddess, when her evil uncle, Anulius, dethroned her father in the kingdom of Alba. The uncle couldn't kill his niece, because it was a horrible thing to do in the gods' eyes to kill your family. She got pregnant with the famous twins, Romulus and Remus. She said that the twins were the sons of the god of war, Mars. Because no one would dare kill the sons of a god, the babies were put in a basket and set on the Tiber river. They sailed until they reached present day Palatine hill where a branch caught the basket. A she wolf found the babies and nurtured them until a shepherd came and raised the babies to manhood. The boys won the throne back for their grandfather, then Romulus went on to found Rome (and kill Remus).

[@youmebothorneither]

Caleb Schwarz wait is this a myth or real.

[@Boss_Isaac]

+Cranemaker ! It was just a myth. However, many Romans believed Romulus to be a legitimate historical figure, said to be the first king of Rome, and a temple was dedicated to him sometime after Rome's founding, traditionally dated 753 BC.

[@fluffyishappy2217]

The wolf was Lupa

[@thatguy1700]

Lupin indeed

[@fluffyishappy2217]

The Pokékid what

[@DarkSithBarbie]

That's part of why being a historian is so difficult. You must understand the context and intentions of the time period so that it translates to modern viewpoints. A culture that praises feminism, individualism, and democracy would never empathize with a culture under a patriarchal empire.

[@transfemme5749]

Romans were the most patriarchal society ever. Even the greeks practised homosexuality and engaged in homoeroticism.

[@j2dragon109]

trans arabi Umm, what? Are you saying that male homosexuality makes a society less patriarchal?

[@azulizachan7595]

@@transfemme5749 They didn't do it out of love, though, and only men did it(specifically students and mentors), if I recall correctly I wish I knew where I got that information

[@nayanmipun6784]

Feminism is no good either

[@azulizachan7595]

@@nayanmipun6784 I think the term you are looking for is mysandry, though. Feminists are actually the ones who want equallity. The problem is, that the name doesn't reflect that

[@Your_Local_WeirdWeeb]

I could imagine Vesta/Hestia watching this and is trying to tell Rome that it's compeletey fine with the flame going out because she will protect Rome no matter what happens

[@muhammadabrar6061]

This is one of the things we refer to when we say "History of Misogyny and femicide"

[@shreyasrao3518]

Agreed.

[@bohdansyrotiuk5803]

🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@MegaXavi999]

@@bohdansyrotiuk5803 You are the clown.

[@SA2004YG]

Lol scapegoating has been around since forever and sometimes women got caught up too, that has nothing to do with misogyny. We still have scapegoating now, it's just not as drastic where people get killed.

[@bohdansyrotiuk5803]

@@MegaXavi999 No, you are the clown, clown!

[@ayeshahaque6923]

Why couldn’t they just relight it?

[@chloe9554]

I think they did Edit: I wonder if the fire's still burning

[@ayeshahaque6923]

Dr google told me it’s not 😔

[@emerald9194]

They did relight it, but it was seen as a sign of terrible misfortune or danger if it were to go out for even a moment.

[@wos_liwet]

Because, y'know, belief

[@sailasanam1260]

Ayesha Haque 😂🤣

[@markwenefred9008]

Love the narrator!

[@MrRoboticeyes]

makes me feel like watching a prologue of a really good animated series

[@coin5207]

Mark Wenefred Porazo yeah her voice goes well with the background music

[@quexz7315]

Mark Wenefred Porazo iiiiii

[@miss.parodycoverfridays7706]

I just want to say thanks TED- ED! You make gaining knowledge so much easier with less time and so much knowledge!

[@basteqss8859]

This animation is just AMAZING!!! Thanks for material! ;)

[@RuyG]

That's seriously sad and horrible!

[@rin_etoware_2989]

Well, they are arguably the most powerful women of Rome as well.

[@Samm_b28]

Ruy Graça still happen in middle east tho

[@phantom-xb6wv]

You mean AMAZINGLY PERFECT

[@jonijoestar8858]

Ehh... Could be worse, way worse

[@neutronalchemist3241]

More really badly narrated. While the Order of the Vestals was in existence for over one thousand years there had been only ten recorded convictions for unchastity. It was an extremely rare, and traumatic for the entire city, occurrence. They had been so much rare that we can say that it was even normal for a Vestal to have a love affair, since it was so difficult to get caught.

[@andicarusfell8387]

For anyone who is wondering Vesta is the Roman equivalent of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth. Well, I guess _if_ someone is wondering. I was until I saw the flames.

[@all4dyooo]

when I heard the flame, I had to think that it is Hestia

[@alstevens7060]

Why did you misspell Earth? Do you spell egg, "hegg"?💯

[@amiachxos]

@@alstevens7060 it isn't earth. It's hearth. The fireplaces in every home/bakeries back then is the symbol of Hestia.

[@nullvoid6095]

@@alstevens7060 that’s not a misspelt

[@lydiaboakye5304]

@@alstevens7060 bruh....

[@jba540]

Would someone agree with me that this is one of the best historical animated video that Ted Ed has done? Perfect animation, clear narrative, interesting story and vivid plot. ❤️👏🏼 Honestly I cannot count how many times I have watched this. 😊

[@AstralMarmot]

I'd strongly encourage you to read more then! This video leaves out a tremendous amount of context, and somewhat bizarrely paints the vestal virgins as prisoners. In reality, the Priestesses of Vesta wielded enormous social power in Rome, arguably more than any other women. - Vestal virgins could free prisoners or slaves simply by touching them - If you saw a VV on your way to execution, you were automatically pardoned - They could intervene in legal proceedings - Upon completion of their service, vestal virgins were granted full citizenship, including the right to vote and own land. This is an area of history I am very passionate about, and while I appreciate TED making these videos, this one does a very poor job of showing the incredible social, political and religious power these women wielded in a very patriarchal society. They were living aspects of the Goddess Vesta herself, holy in their own right, and Rome viewed their protection as well as their sanctity as a sacred duty. Does that excuse Rome's sexism? Definitely not. My only point is to encourage you to go out and learn as much about the Vestals as you can, because if you like them now, you're going to *love* them once you see a deeper (and more accurate) representation. Good learning, friend!

[@jba540]

Astral Marmot very nice! Thanks for sharing. I guess my world history teacher didnt teach me much but I really like Greek and Roman civilization lessons. Very interesting!

[@iceleb452]

This is very informative! I wish more of like these are found in YT. Many would learn a lot.

[@1ChibiYuki]

They should have hired gamers as Vestal Virgins.

[@adrianremo1988]

I mean, it would keep the fortinite players occupied.

[@blacknovember1835]

i laugh way too hard at this

[@abramo7700]

uh, you mean epic gamer

[@alikhidzam3749]

😂😂

[@olderarchives6660]

The ones that play fortnite

[@katelynwiegand5138]

“He launched an in-VESTA-gation” 😂😂

[@hannahdivic28]

HA

[@emeraldflame6194]

I’m Tommy from wii sports

[@bobbymessbob2547]

😂😂

[@niyaburke2692]

The police will be called

[@whatuser9802]

AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@kiarona.]

I've seen this video many many times now. I actually teared up this time at the end

[@granthenrypanganiban4183]

Some Rando: *Breathes* Literally anyone in power: “And I took that personally”

[@Beebee_girl5742]

these poor women

[@maplemaple1439]

skittle fanatics I mean, they got a lot more rights than most roman women, were probably the most powerful of the entire nation.

[@Praenuntium]

These people don't care, it's only about how *they* see things.

[@Angell_Lee]

@Bowen Chen I would still want to get laid and not waste my best years as a women to even just love someone. :(

[@tadhgconroy8828]

People who became one of them were ecstatic as they automatically got to go to basically super heaven, with the heroes demigods and great figures.

[@sahilsharma2506]

skittle fanatics c how lucky u r

[@val9653]

Vesta= Hestia.. If u were wondering

[@dragonboimmdvideos]

Yea Hestia is the Greek counterpart

[@allendeleon5293]

Lol i thought this was a danmemo reference

[@val9653]

@@allendeleon5293 whatsdat

[@allendeleon5293]

@@val9653 danmemo is an anime and a mobile game

[@val9653]

@@allendeleon5293 Aaaaaand they have Greek gods?

[@damunaik4]

Appreciation comment for the animation style: It looks like a simple painting, composed of flat moving pieces, but then the camera moves in ways that make you realize its 3D, and your mind just gets blown away.

[@karamimamali6139]

By the way your translation is so good , actually amazing , you translate sentences correctly

[@djoan0872]

Dang. Ten years of training then eventually die all becase of a fire? Tragic. SMH

[@grayblackhelm9761]

D Joan08 Over thousands of years in Roman history, only about eleven vestal Virgins were ever executed. They were so well guarded that even touching one of the virgins may be cause for execution. The only daily duty they had was to tend Vesta’s Fire. And more importantly, since they were considered Rome’s only real line of defense, they often took credit for military victory and were well loved and respected, even in the farthest reaches of the empire. And how many people _really_ get to say they died in the name of- not only the people- but a Goddess? The prestige.

[@theresahall8206]

@@grayblackhelm9761 yeah but the number one rule is don't let go out. I believe it was put out when Christianity came to town. So much for the fire keeping Rome safe.

[@grayblackhelm9761]

Theresa Hall It was put out. And within a decade of the fire going out, Rome fell.

[@richardides2035]

It was a fire of Vesta a sacred eternal flame of Ancient Rome, it was irreplaceable. Why do you think in olympic games they are bringing fire not just making it on spot? Because that was not the same.

[@kahimoon3638]

Pfft, with or without the flame they still would have been conquered. I mean even if it would've lasted, how can it defend against modern militia and weapons? A strategist, money and numbers are all they need.

[@lidyawayne9233]

Dont get me wrong the Romans are probably the most revolutionary and ahead of the time people I've ever known,but really?Selecting a young girl,subjecting her to tending a fire and a risk of being burried alive because it blows out like come on guys y'all know winds exist right

[@ZeoViolet]

The temple was enclosed. The fire was sacred and holy, and the embodiment of the goddess. These facts were part of the very core of every Roman's beliefs.

[@kratosgodofwar4584]

@@ZeoViolet Facts? I think you mean Beliefs.

[@ZeoViolet]

To them, they were facts.

[@kratosgodofwar4584]

@@ZeoViolet I suppose 😏

[@grayblackhelm9761]

The men and women selected for tending the fire as a priest or priestess were among the most well treated. As far as I’m aware, in all Rome’s history, only eleven or so of the Virgin’s were ever executed. In fact, they say that Remus and Romulus- the builders of Rome- were children of one of the Virgins. Born of Mars, the God of War.

[@skateboardmd9163]

"One life surrendered, so yours can begin."

[@ashleyeverything588]

The narrators voice was so soothing I could listen to it all day

[@HritwRaje]

The animation. One of the best ever!

[@user-qu2gj9de1b]

Tangled and Happiness not really

[@user-qu2gj9de1b]

@@SomberTwilight-hz7wi calling that mediocre animation the best is an offend to good animation

[@gabriellaflorez9367]

Ready as I'll ever be..

[@horizonexplorer5640]

Anime is nothing compared to real animation

[@user-qu2gj9de1b]

@@horizonexplorer5640 deppends on how much money they invest ,what is real animation anyway

[@o0OHermioneO0o]

This is so one-sided!! How about the fact that in Rome's patriarchal society, these women had one of the highest ranks, were well-respected and what is more, they were independant! After they retired they also recieved a pretty high pension and were free to marry. Leaving this out of the video is unprofessional really.

[@emmagrace1812]

o0OHermioneO0o Yeah, this makes them seem like timid slaves, but they had almost as many rights as free men did. They were vastly important and the role was a great honor.

[@annoyingbookgirl]

but they didn't have a choice.... 30 years of your life taken to live in a temple? no thanks

[@TimCeallaigh]

Many Roman men at the same time served 25 years in the military oversea for a plot of land.

[@versaliathompson831]

Human rights weren't a thing back then. So having 30 years of your life taken for such a prestige was considered a fair trade.

[@ajeetalbert91]

wow..I wish you had been my history teacher..

[@moyera9190]

The animation and illustration is beautiful! Hats off!

[@riro4165]

the animation is so pretty and the narration just spectacularly suited it.

[@phobepotatoegirlpretty5774]

Couldn't have they tried to relit the flame?

[@grrr1351]

Should've kept some oils and a lighter there.

[@itudor]

they could've done that but i guess they had to much faith and that would've been some kind of sin or bad luck for the city

[@ragnaroksora8129]

they would be using their brains. that's like asking a Christian why are you talking to an imaginary ghost.

[@leviclark4015]

Ragnarok Sora well thats your opinion.

[@kimbo5260]

Ragnarok Sora I think the question this person is trying to point out is whether you would choose to continue some sort of believe that you don't really know how it works or save someone's life and set them free from a huge set of rules.

[@ivandenngari]

2:58 the original salt bae

[@spittinglass]

Ivanden Ngari lmao

[@DazednDade]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@kratosgodofwar4584]

Fortnite goes waaaayyyyyy back....

[@LukeGotLuck]

Kratos GodOfWar nothing to do with fortnite my guy

[@kratosgodofwar4584]

@@LukeGotLuck you have heard of sarcasm? 😏

[@samk4257]

Every so often I come back to this video it’s SO AMAMZINFZ

[@solomonjones9276]

i got to see a section of the temple in rome (like a single pillar that was left). Studying classics was the best idea ever

[@nooryacoub2426]

should be made into a movie

[@jackypatterson4139]

This should be made into a movie...now.

[@greenlight2923]

😆

[@luckyahad]

This was such a beautiful story and the animation was on point. Ted-Ed keep up this work wow!

[@Christian_Prepper]

_"beautiful story"?_ You're a weirdo. Nothing about that story was _"beautiful"_ . It started off dark, was full of creepiness, & ended depressing. Sadly, this video had no purpose beyond a history lesson of some obscure girl that apparently made no difference to history. Now if her story continues to the point of her leading some movement or revolt that improved conditions then they should have shared _that_ . But you're right about the animation.

[@TheSceptilelover]

Christian Prepper exactly.. saying this is beautiful is just .. inhumane

[@losersinc7973]

Beautiful? That’s not beautiful.

[@CaspError]

The feeling of sadness for another human being you don't know about and have been dead for thousand of years is beautiful.

[@lekhanhanh2375]

"this is the worst genar-" Ancient Romans: am I a joke to you

[@DMTHOTH]

And yet this video cutted out that in fact the priestess had huge political power in ancient Rome. They could grant immunity to other citizens for any crime by making simple eye contact with them.

[@aihara2799]

*I edited this comment, now all of the replies don’t make sense no more lol 😈*

[@phenylalanine7392]

lose*

[@seraben7100]

Jungkook

[@PhantomAyz]

@@phenylalanine7392 Its a pun

[@Fartcat6992]

bakugo-kun??

[@bamio7226]

Wait, you guys are getting paid?

[@atyayati]

This was starting to be one of the best movie plot, Where she rebels and overthrows the government

[@elfenlied6611]

Antriksh Mohil and search for a more suitable religion

[@atyayati]

How about make her own religion

[@AishaVonFossen]

And Licinia would find out where her condemned predecessor is buried alive and save her before she'd die!

[@elamjoshuaazupardo554]

AishaVonFossen She's probably dead already.

[@mdrakonnia2933]

Elam Joshua Azupardo Don't ruin the plot.

[@nerg89s]

This is one of the most favourite ted-ex video. This explains social lynchings and the greediness of people for others’ lives

[@lawyermr1983]

Me at 9 pm watching Ted Ed because there’s nothing else to do. Still, brilliant videos. I love the effort in the videos and the quality of the information. Keep it up.

[@meskalurator]

You make them sound like victims only... They were a lot more than that. From wikipedia: The dignities accorded to the Vestals were significant. - in an era when religion was rich in pageantry, the presence of the College of Vestal Virgins was required in numerous public ceremonies and wherever they went, they were transported in a carpentum, a covered two-wheeled carriage, preceded by a lictor, and had the right-of-way; - at public games and performances they had a reserved place of honour; - unlike most Roman women, they were not subject to the patria potestas and so were free to own property, make a will, and vote; - they gave evidence without the customary oath, their word being trusted without question; - they were, on account of their incorruptible character, entrusted with important wills and state documents, like public treaties; - their person was sacrosanct: death was the penalty for injuring their person and they had escorts to protect them from assault; - they could free condemned prisoners and slaves by touching them - if a person who was sentenced to death saw a Vestal on his way to the execution, he was automatically pardoned. - they participated in throwing the ritual straw figures called Argei into the Tiber on May 15.

[@anknees2352]

meskalurator maskuliiini but they're still victims regardless of the privileges they had.

[@meskalurator]

Yes, but knowing this other side makes them fascinating.

[@elfenlied6611]

meskalurator maskuliiini I won't be a vestal virgin even if somebody offer me a whole world a mere wind can fuck you up

[@jumanahsalama394]

meskalurator maskuliiini imprisoning someone in a castle is still imprisonment. I'd rather be free.. a commoner.

[@SecretOwl2023]

Only victims from our modern point of view. Notice that the video said they came from prestigious aristocratic families ie; powerful families. This indicates that they clearly did not view being a vestal virgin as a sacrifice, but as a tremendous honor and privilege.

[@ivyskies]

I absolutely love this, it's so beautiful and tragic. I especially love the little sound effects alongside the narration, for example how at 3:57 we can hear Licinia weeping.

[@dalfifran7572]

_One of sixteen vestal virgins , who were leaving for the coast.._ _And although my eyes were open ._ _They might have just as well've been closed._

[@mjp7671]

The visuals here are beautiful

[@Cytrillex]

This has got to be the best animation seen on Ted Ed yet. Absolutely stunning video. I learned all of this content in Latin II but seeing it visualized like this is just fantastic

[@olive5671]

1:33 wow, vesta's face is in the fire

[@TotallyAHuman]

Wow, yes

[@floatytrouty]

Damn, if only one of them smart enough/ rebellious enough they can snatch a random fire light source and relight the fire but alas you can't hope much from the people who have been sealed inside a temple for almost their entire life

[@MeetThaNewDealer]

Well, I'm so glad that I live in the 21 century where people are far more rational and reasonable {Insert sarcasm}

[@aquibalamLUMOS]

*Kim Jong un enters chat*

[@isabellamayer6385]

ahahaha

[@parrotpepper502]

I was literally about to say, "Oh wait. THEY ARENT"

[@harjasudaysingh1339]

Oooh

[@cerridianempire1653]

yup more sympathy for the price of logic

[@lindee8224]

Wow, this animation is stunning, and the story is really gripping!

[@anastasyag999]

wow from the animation to the music and on to the voiceover , this video is amazing! great work Ted-Ed. LOVE!

[@killerqueen4558]

The 3d camera movements are so dynamic!

[@raquele6470]

Ancient Rome was a dangerous, fascinating, bizarre place. I simply could not imagine living such a life, in such a culture

[@MrPiccolo-du7ed]

"Oh Ashen one, may the flame guide thee..."

[@ceasefire2825]

yourboy jtrades "of of course.thou art Ash and fire befits thee"

[@soreachsina5102]

Is this a dark souls reference

[@yodasoon9165]

Hea Beoun I think you mean vergin souls

[@therabbitwasalwaysbeneathm2250]

Hea Beoun yeah

[@tesnacloud]

TED-ED, There is a problem with this video. It portrays the Vestal Virgins as powerless sacrificial lambs in a meaningless ritual when to the Romans, it was anything but. Vestals also had power, and this video fails to present all aspects of their life, good and bad. I expect a thorough portrayal of a given subject by you guys, but this video is not thorough. It is one sided and rejects the viewpoints of those living at the time.

[@kellemese6252]

Who cares

[@fallenloki3580]

@@kellemese6252 I care ROMA INVICTA

[@Kibatsume1]

This video also shows them strictly female when males were chosen as well

[@anhhuynhkimnguyen6793]

Barta Anett people who care about facts over feelings

[@laxmighimire1836]

Not the complete lesson Check the description

[@aliibilli]

This is my fave TedEd video

[@thaliagrace6631]

I am so glad to be born in this generation you know?

[@snowflakehub6878]

You know your a addicted to youtube when your so early without notifications

[@aryansaxena3114]

Don't Read My Profile Picture how many channels have you seen?

[@bluberry9842]

I actually have a social studies test this Monday and the topic was on the Vestal Virgins. This really helped allooooootttt

[@_non_zero_sum_game8958]

what we need is a feature lenght TED animation of the ancient world.

[@oO_ox_O]

1:05 "Good health", shows symbol for commerce

[@CorollaryOfDawn]

They probably mixed up the Caduceus (symbol of Hermes) and the staff of Asclepius (god of health and medicine).

[@Jewellianna]

This was amazing!! Great information and great visuals!!

[@sirgerbilmacintosh9101]

Calm down everyone. Everyone just calm down.

[@saltysandhya]

Sir Gerbil Macintosh wut

[@gus5465]

Sir Gerbil Macintosh NOBODY TELLS ME TO CALM DOWN (runs off shrieking into the distance)

[@teet6835]

am I the only one who read it in trump's voice ?

[@AniketBhatP]

*calms down*.. Now what? NOW WHAT?!?!?! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

[@nice3333333333]

THE WORLD IS COMING TO A FLAMING END! THE FIRES OF RAGNAROK REACHES THE SKY FALLING DOWN AS BURNING MAGMA! AND THE GROUND TURNS TO ASHES OF ICE! SHARPENED FROST FREEZES ALL WHO DARES TO BE ALIVE! WE ARE ALL DOOMED! I CAN'T FUCKING CALM DOWN! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!

[@secondchild6043]

this needs to be a movie. like I would watch it tbh

[@Princessgo2]

I had to watch this in class, and now this is on meh recommened XD

[@ultimatebishoujo29]

Really?