The vestal virgins

In Ancient Rome, the vestal virgins were the virgin holy
female priestesses of Vesta, the goddess - the goddess
of the hearth. Their primary task was to maintain the
sacred fire of Vesta. The vestal duty brought great
honor and afforded greater privileges to women who
served in that role. The vestal virgins were committed
to the priesthood at a young age (before puberty) and
were sworn to celibacy for a period of 30 years. Afterwards,
they could marry if they chose to do so

From the statue in Rome. 1911

Costume of a chief vestal
(virgo vestalis maxima)

A vestal virgin, detail of an engraving

by Sir Frederic Leighton, ca. 1880