Keeping the flame lit for the goddess Vesta was the primary job of the Vestal Virgins — but it also put their very lives in danger. An informative video takes viewers through the journey of Licinia, a young girl chosen to be a Vestal Virgin after the previous priestess was buried alive, and how she learns what it means to be judged by an empire.

Concepts

roman culture, ancient rome, roman history, the roman empire

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Have learners watch the video as a warm-up before a lesson on ancient Rome
• Use the resource as a springboard for a discussion or research activity about ancient and modern-day gender roles and expectations for women

Classroom Considerations

• Discusses chastity and virginity as a matter of fact
• Requires prior knowledge of the Roman Empire, and would be most effective with some knowledge of the Vestal Virgins

Pros

• Portrays the information in a narrative lens, making the video entertaining and engaging
• Animation is beautiful and illustrative
• Comes with additional discussion and assessment questions

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RH.9-10.2 RH.11-12.2