... way possible.. In childhood, a daughter fell under the sway of the eldest male ascendant in her family, usually the father, the pater familias. Her father extended to the determination of life and death for all members of the household. A daughter was under her father's authority for his lifetime unless she married or became a Vestal Virgin. Vestal Virgins were women who were chosen in early childhood and sacrificed their fertile years by serving for 30 years in the maintenance of the shrine of the goddess, Vesta. The quality of chastity in service of Rome's religious observances was a quality that encouraged the deepest worship towards these women. After a period of thirty years of service, the women were freed from their vows and permitted to marry if they desired, few of these did so. Vestals were under the exclusive authority of Rome's high priest and were immune from male ...

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