On the Roman mythology, however, Vesta and her priestess, called Vestal Virgins , had a very important role. One notable Vestal Virgin, was Rhea Silva, mother, by Mars , of Romulus and Remus , who founded Rome.
The major role of those priestess was to protect the sacred fire of Vesta which would keep Rome safe. As long as the fire would burn, Rome could not fall. The temple in which the fire was kept burnt down four times and the flame was finally extinguished on the orders of the Christian Emperor Theodosius.